The Work Begins [Open]

[LuckyBlackCat]

At Sable's acknowledgement of how beautiful and talented Raemi was, Carmine gave his Zoran companion a gentle clap on the shoulder, in part to keep her steady. In her stunned silence, she seemed ready to keel over at any moment. "You see? I'm not the only one who calls you that." His cheeks and eyes drew up in a grin. "Consider it confirmed." Knowing Raemi, it would only do so much to ease her self-doubts, but perhaps hearing it from someone other than a close friend would help.

He craned his neck ever so slightly as Sable mentioned her father's profession. "Oh? That's really cool, who is he? Anyone I'd have heard of?" Intrigued as he was, that spike of anxiety sharpened. Sable had to have high standards, knowing the ins and outs of music. His skin prickled, the feathers on his neck and chest beginning to fluff up. He took a surreptitious deep breath. "Nerves? What nerves? I'm telling you, I've got this! Thanks for the encouragement though!"

No matter the self-assured front he put up, it was Raemi who seemed the more self-assured one in that momment. The next thing he knew, tendrilled arms and flowing membranes engulfed him. He staggered, leaning into Raemi's embrace, wrapping his wings aroud her and nuzzling her head fin with his beak. The feel of her smooth scales, her blanket-soft fins, her facial frills tickling his shoulder, set off an odd fluttering in his stomach. His face grew warm once more, in a pleasant way this time.

"Let's go eat then!"

Honestly, he could stay like this for a while longer, but if Raemi wanted to eat... "Mmmmmfffffhhhh!" was all he could reply at first. It was only once they pulled apart that he could form a coherent sentence. "Yep, let's make a start!"


Taking a seat and helping herself to a generous serving of pumpkin curry, Alyson stifled a laugh at Ryla's glances towards VaVas' plate. Although the Goron ambassador never followed through with their teasing, VaVas snarled and hissed as if he thought himself a miniature Gleeok. "Y'know, I've always wondered what bugs taste like," she joked, eyeing the tray. In truth, insects weren't the least bit appetising to her, but she couldn't turn down the chance to join Ryla in their deliberate irking of the mini-dragon.

Her attention shifted to Dgin as he explained his and VaVas' specialities. "Practicality? Not something to undervalue," she replied. "It is, after all, what Hudson Construction focuses on, in conjunction with the Zonai Survey Team." She of all people knew that just because just because the threats to the kingdom had ended, that didn't fix its aftereffects.

And neither would all the restoration efforts in the world. Not for those who hadn't made it.

The nigh-perpetual cheer she exuded flickered like a struggling flame, her smile wavering for a fraction of a second. "And yep there certainly is!" Her expression resumed its habitual brightness. "As well as being useful for exploration, transport brings us together. And we've gotta work together to build a more resilient Hyrule than ever before. This very town's proof of that!" Although she didn't know what the old Castle Town had been like, it likely hadn't had as many people from wildly different communities intermingling as it did now.

"Do you work at least in part on transport then?" she asked. "Or is it mostly tools for everyday tasks? Either way..." She glanced from Dgin and VaVas to Florimel. "I can see how your fields must mesh! I take it the three of you will be working together for more than just teaching?"

She took a mouthful of sweet, creamy curry before continuing. The food here was quite something, and she'd be more than glad to eat like this on a regular basis. "Speaking of such, Professor Florimel! Your item enchantment, how does it work?"


As soon as VaVas began hoarding the candied petals from under Florimel's nose, that settled it. There'd be none left if she didn't make a move right away. Descending in a streak of light and tearing a chunk from one of the snacks, she took her place and nibbled at it, reminding herself that Queen Zelda's conservation effort had been successful. Of course, there was still mitigation of adverse effects on wilderness from the upcoming changes to Hyrule to consider... as well as any other potential complications. Ones the realm already knew of too well.

"If you insist on these contraptions becoming part of everyday life," she grumbled to Dgin, "I do hope you're planning on implementing security measures of some sort." Even if the Demon King truly was gone for good - and who knew for certain - the risk of other malicious entities turning the kingdom's technology against it remained too great to ignore.

"Anyway. As for your question." She faced Alyson, wings flaring as she rose several inches above the table in a display of pride. "I'll have you know that item enchantment is a vastly distinct field from engineering. It enhances pre-existing properties. While it may not sound like much, it often makes all the difference, especially when it comes to enhancing alchemical ingredients and spell components." The thought of working on unpredictable machinery with Dgin and VaVas nearly made her scoff, but she kept quiet on the matter. It wouldn't do to let the gaps in her knowledge show, particularly not on her first day.

However, if she was going to semi-comfortably teach alongside Dgin and VaVas, she'd need to learn what the whole deal with them was. "And now for my question," she reminded them, "about the bottle."

[Emily]

"Y'know, I've always wondered what bugs taste like," Ryla grinned across the table at Alyson. One part of their job they took the most seriously was building relationships and seeing open paths of communication flourish between people of different cultures. While VaVas would likely never forgive Ryla for the slight of protection, and Ryla was more than happy to play the silly elder relative role in his life, they understood the need for the great and powerful VaVas to have more playful relationships. They liked Alyson already.

Dgin stroked his little ghostly beard, considering. "Hmmm... so what was the first question, again?" For the moment, as the spectre of their old friend floated atop the stool and considered, Ryla hesitated over a bite. A slight concern entered their eyes before the professor lit up, returning them to eating the rock roast. "Right! Our specialisms!"

"Alls them."

"Well, he is not entirely wrong. We take an interest in a great deal of applications of artificery, Miss Alyson. Though if we had to give our specialism a name, it'd be based in practicality. There has been more than enough war and strife in this kingdom, and many capable heroes and weapons to assist in their valiant efforts: VaVas and I focus instead on assisting the average fellow in their daily lives."

Despite their clearly practised and considered neutral expression, one could see in Ryla a great deal of pride. Behind locked doors, where their reputation as an infinitely-friendly but ultimately shallow being could not be sullied by such things as ideology, they had delivered a treatise to Yunobo and Bludo, and had been rewarded with the ambassador position first with the Gerudo and now with the Hylians. The foundation of the Goron spirit, of the Goron people, was not smithing. It wasn't mining. It wasn't machines and fire and punching. It was cooperation. It was community. It was solidarity.

Not everyone was on board, of course. "Bigs of talks but then dumb of ambitionsss."

"A Kingdom is nothing without its people. What use is there in saving the world if there's no comfort or joy to be had in everyone's regular lives. I apologise if that is disappointing to hear, Miss Alyson."

The Hylians, Gerudo, and Zora were preoccupied with pride. Their histories were full of hero worship for the warrior, a shared martial history that, in the case of the Hylians and Zora, also extended into a shared courtly history. The Gorons, meanwhile, idolised great builders and leaders, those who brought people together. And Ryla held this position without any hatred in their heart for those other races. It was an outpouring of love and pride for their brothers that brought them to this place. The Gorons would be the people to build and rebuild those things most important to Hyrule as a whole. They would connect the people together and lift everyone as one.

They shot Alyson a glance, curious to see how she would respond. Their experience with Bolson and then Hudson's people had been overwhelmingly positive. Something about those who create and build had a tendency to also instil a sense of social cohesion and the seed of proletarian ideological consciousness.

"Practicality? Not something to undervalue," she replied. "It is, after all, what Hudson Construction focuses on, in conjunction with the Zonai Survey Team."

Ryla nodded, leaning back and taking another bite of the rock roast.

"Though we would be thrilled to assist in your mechanical ambitions should you have us! Transport is as important a business as any, now that Hyrule has begun to settle and its people long-starved of vital connection. There is much to be gained therein!"

"And yep there certainly is! As well as being useful for exploration, transport brings us together. And we've gotta work together to build a more resilient Hyrule than ever before. This very town's proof of that!"

"Hear hear!" Ryla chuckled before continuing with their own food.

"Do you work at least in part on transport then? Or is it mostly tools for everyday tasks? Either way... I can see how your fields must mesh! I take it the three of you will be working together for more than just teaching?"

"If you insist on these contraptions becoming part of everyday life, I do hope you're planning on implementing security measures of some sort."

It was at this point that Ryla seemed to distance themself from the conversation, more content to listen quietly. Their interest was in the practical, and their curiosities, whatever those might be, seemed to be sated.

Though she would tone down the visual aspects of her performance, Sable glittered with pride as she saw the effect her words had on Raemi. She was, beneath everything else, a performer, whether that be a performer of alchemy, bartending, enchantment, or on very rare occasion taking the air out of a room. And if Raemi truly felt the way about her she had vocalised, why shouldn't Sable play into that?

Her efforts were rewarded. Carmine took the opportunity to smoothly weave in his own compliments. "You see? I'm not the only one who calls you that. Consider it confirmed." Unaware that they weren't already a couple, and having come right up to the line of flirting herself, Sable softened at the sight. It seemed things were going a lot better here than her own experiences. While Raemi was still struggling to speak, Carmine continued, catching her mention of her father, sparking a moment of chilled regret behind the smile in her eyes. "Oh? That's really cool, who is he? Anyone I'd have heard of?"

"Oh, I hope not," she waved a wing dismissively. "He was terrible."

He went on to dismiss the idea of nerves, something she chose to let sit because why bring further attention to something unpleasant if it was unnecessary. Not to mention that was the moment Raemi seemed to find her breath again, blurting out a response before immediately wincing as if she was ashamed of her words. "I would rather hope you do continue 'getting in our way'."

And then she bowed. Not in the way of the family heads of Clock Town, aggression temporarily tempered by an understanding that she was their new queen, nor in the sarcastic dismissive nature he had done as he gradually wormed his way deeper into her subconscious. It was a proper, courtly bow that allowed all of her accentuating features and items to perform their duties, creating a visual and auditory shimmer exceptionally pleasant to experience. Despite the separation of this from her previous experiences, Sable still found herself puffed up a bit, eyes flashing with satisfaction at the gesture. "It would be my greatest honour to accept your invitation, Professor Sable. Thank you."

"The pleasure is all mine, truly."

It was at that moment that Raemi seemed to regress into the puddle she had been before, smothering her much shorter paramour in an embrace. "Let's go eat then!"

Once he was released, "Yep, let's make a start!"

They walked through the halls together, some collaboration of common sense and luck directing them ultimately to the correct location. It wasn't that the academy was a particularly massive or labyrinthine building once one got their bearings, but it was an unfamiliar space. And she was happy that the sound of clinking glassware and metal were eventually audible down the hall from their spot.

As they entered the space, Sable's attention was piqued by a series of relevant words. "Anyway. As for your question. I'll have you know that item enchantment is a vastly distinct field from engineering. It enhances pre-existing properties. While it may not sound like much, it often makes all the difference, especially when it comes to enhancing alchemical ingredients and spell components."

She reflected back on her experience with Master Rakzhou. Rakzhou had originally been a tinkerer of sorts. Long before the Calamity had ended, he worked on various clockwork mechanisms and enchanted tech. His shop had been separated into two sections, all manner of heavy metal equipment on one side and gems on the other. Piped all throughout was effulgent liquid enchanted to glow as brightly as sunlight, to keep the place lit perfectly to his specifications. It's like we ground you up, boiled you down, and put your essence in the pipes. He had always put forward the idea that engineering and enchantment had loads of potential overlap, especially when it came to enchanting everyday items for public use. She thought she should really go back to Hateno sometime soon and see how he was doing. The introduction of Zonai equipment had no doubt done wonders for his research.

Sable looked over to the table, even as she approached the buffet spread. A fairy- hopefully her foray into that fairy tonic once hadn't become publicly known-, a Goron spectre, a lizard, a strange looking Goron in clothing, and... Alyson! She smiled, resolving to go and greet her friend later, when it wasn't an inappropriate moment. For the time being, she flashed her own temporary-issue ID and picked a small combination of fish and rice and a slice of a meringue pie of some sort. She turned to Carmine and Raemi, flashing another wave of sparkles before taking her leave. "I see the headmaster now. I have to speak with him for a bit, but I'll find you both later so we can go to the Roost together, okay?"

[El]

The electricity in her veins tickled too the pits of her stomach. Raemi was a bundle of indecision, trapped between a buoyant delight that threatened to have her prancing in glides down the corridor and the heavy chains of nerves which instead bound her ankles. To be weightless, or tense? What a wonderful dilemma to have!

The slender arm she'd wound around Carmie's wing was perhaps a little too tight in its grip. It only took a cursory, peripheral glance to realise it was entirely unintentional however: Raemi's adoring eyes barely ever left Sable! Her idol was leading the way and even from behind she glittered and glistened and glowed, her stride sure and elegant and bold! Plus, from this angle she could better admire her spectacular tailfeathers and their hypnotising sway.

Raemi's heart turned to goo.

So goo was she that when the trio finally made it to the dining hall, she startled - a giddy giggle coughed up into a strangled squeak. Raemi had no idea what she'd already placed on her plate and even less that they had company until she was addressed directly:

"I see the headmaster now. I have to speak with him for a bit, but I'll find you both later so we can go to the Roost together, okay?"

The immediate heartbreak in the Zora's eyes was tangible. Crestfallen, her once flared membranes drooped into a heavy drag. She would not pout however - that'd be incredibly unbecoming! - so instead Raemi forced a small, strained smile and nodded in understanding. It would not serve her well to be greedy. She'd already enjoyed plenty more of Sable's company than she'd ever dreamed.

"I'm looking forward to it, Professor Sable."  Contrary to the blatant betrayal of her physiology, Raemi's voice was elegant and composed - of perfect, gentle pitch. Yet, as the Rito left she took Raemi's breath with her, a blush staining the pearlescent cheeks something hot and fierce.

Then suddenly, she became aware.

VERY aware.

Where she was. What she was doing. The lights and bustle and scents and chatter and the warm plumage squeezed in her grasp. Paling, with a voiceless gasp Raemi immediately released Carmine, pretending she needed the second hand to grab a salad utensil.

She was feeling nauseous though. With Sable's spell shattered a sickness uncoiled in her gut, rearing its ugly, persistent head with a sinister settling she should've been accustomed to by now. Something cold raced down her spine and a tension gripped her shoulders. Eyes. So many eyes. People. Strangers. Crowds. The noises and the whispers and the unknown voices and hidden thoughts, the expressions on their shadows and the judgements on their tongues. Around her the mass swirled. Heat. Discord.

Fear.

With a slight tremble Raemi added a bundle of seasoned seaweed onto her plate, lips sealing firm against the tides which made the colours swim across her vision. As she drew in a muted breath she slipped on a mask: made pretend. All emotion left her face, drained to a polite, superficial warmth. Rigid and puppeteered.

She missed that night - the Beaumont Ball. What a relief it'd been to have a set role, a structured purpose, and a mask under which to hide from it all.

How was that Sheikah...? Raemi idly wondered. But the fantasy was banished as quickly as it'd bloomed, dashed by a harsh reality.

"Thank you for coming with me, Carmine."  The dancer re-iterated. Her tone was genuine, but she didn't meet his eyes - not quite yet - her hands busied in useless motions of indecision. She shouldn't eat - not really. She'd gained far too much weight and it was unbecoming and she was feeling too queasy now anyway. Her brother would be disappointed in her lack of self-discipline. But it was only polite to at least pretend to trouble over the vast selection of food: what she was forced to eat she'd just throw up later. "I'll make it up to you tonight.

"Oh look! One of your favourites! Wildberry compote!" 

—

You could see Dgin bloom, his phantasmal glow intensifying with visible delight as Alyson responded not only with assurance but genuine praise. The Goron had played humble but he had meant his every word. Hearing the youngling subvert his expectations of imminent disappointment warmed him deeply. His bejewelled grin was practically blinding.

VaVas would've scoffed at such a blatant display of swelling ego, but instead he was scoffing down his plate. What rotten luck he had! To be seated with not one food thief but TWO!!! Hurriedly he devoured the most precious parts of his meal, a gaggle of hairy legs chomped and crunched in an overextended maw. Was he even swallowing? Vavas NEED not swallow! Swallowing was for the lessers! Dragons had no time to waste on swallowing!

"Transport is absolutely an avid interest of mine, Miss Alyson!"  Dgin boomed with eagerness. "It is - unfortunately - a field that requires not only vast wealth but an even greater wealth of resources, so I have yet to do anything with it, but I am rather besotted with the idea of connecting Hyrule via rail! You should see our people's mining infrastructure - if you haven't already! A true wonder of engineering and beautifully practical. I dare say its efficiency is unparalleled.

"Though I will admit the Hudson efforts in Tarrey Town are a sight to behold themselves. A little on the rickety side but many great things are in their infancy! You iron out the flaws as you go - often WITH more iron, HAAA!!!"

His laughter shook the whole table.

"IN THE DOORS, VOICESSSS!!"  VaVas hissed, panicked hands flailing to keep the contents of his plate contained - and not splattered on the floor. "We ins the doors! Shsssssshhhssssh." 

"I do hope you're planning on implementing security measures of some sort." Chimed in the fairy, immediately dampening Dgin's humour like ice water on a stove. The spectral Goron froze mid-guffaw, a flicker of discomfort turning his grin into a grimace.

"Indeed,"  He acquiesced. His swollen form deflated, the gluttonous brawn slimming in a sad wither of a sigh. "There is that to consider as well, with my great railroad plan." 

The lizard scoffed. "Naahp. As ifsss. Unless the 'Dworf fanciesss he a retiring, no evil will play with trains. Our chug-chugsss come not with lasers... yet." 

A forked tongue slapped then around a crispy petal only to immediately grimace with distaste. Was this poison? It tasted like soap, and soap was poison. VaVas's bulging belly warbled with anxiety, recalling every horrid memory to date. Eating soap never ended well. "...Ercck." 

For the first time in this whole meal, he shared. With surprisingly disgusted delicacy he plucked out the remaining florals with his tappy, clinky talons and placed them in front of Florimel. "You should eats more to grows your brain."  The look the lizard shot her then was brimming with heartfelt sympathy: no wonder she was so huffy, eating things like this.

"And now for my question," Florimel continued. "about the bottle."

Ah.

At that both Dgin and VaVas stilled, their expressions a perfect mirror of the other. They exchanged a sidewards look, turning awkward and fidgety. Mustaches suddenly required grooming and fluffy eyebrows had to be adjusted.

VaVas conveniently remembered he was a lizard and shouldn't be capable of speech. Quietly - visibly cowed - he bent low against his plate and nibbled on a fried spider.

"...It's a flawed prototype."  Came Dgin's eventual, wistful sigh. Looking down at the harness buckled around VaVas's nimble frame, he frowned as if admiring a spurned love letter. There was romance - adoration - in his glowing gaze, but how damp it gleamed, sobered by the harsh reality of his failure. "I wanted to create the Glass Bottle of myth: ones capable of capturing all and any in its vast, nigh-endless dimensions.

"Imagine,"  Rambled on the Goron, voice taking on a deep rumble of gentle desire. "A Kingdom in which a travelling merchant could contain the entirety of his inventory - a whole warehouse! - and ride with ease across regions. Or nay, perhaps a family on vacation who still feared the wilds, their anxieties now set at ease by the security of their Glass Bottle: one fell swoop and it could contain a mighty Lynel!" 

A loud CRUNCH echoed from VaVas's jaws. He coughed. Spluttered. ...And awkwardly resumed chewing.

"...Instead it captured me, ha! Though rest assured,"  Dgin turned a determined stare upon all his present company. "I have not given up quite yet! Everything mighty and worthwhile hits a few bumps along the road."