Kalvar almost couldn't believe it, he grew up in these caves, and now he was leaving. Looking around the cave, the rock walls feel like they should be empty. But noise echoed throughout the caves. Sounds of babies crying, and children playing. People just going about their normal lives. Now that he knew the truth about his father, his life had changed. Hylians were not meant to live underground. Leave that to the Mogma's and Goron's. Kalvar closed his eyes and sighed, this was going to be a long trip. Peeking his head out of the caves, it was clear the sun was going down. Pretty soon it would be cold, and monsters would be everywhere. Better to travel at night, Kalvar thought to himself. He closed the entrance to the caves and walked back to his place. His mother was waiting out side. "Didn't leave yet?" She asked him. Kalvar rolled his eyes. "Its night, only idiots would leave now." He walked inside and laid down on his bed roll. Just a couple minutes later, light snoring could be heard from inside. Outside, his mother waited patiently. Her eyes wandered all over the place, looking for someone in particular. She looked over her shoulder, to see if she was missing someone. Seeing no one, she leaned against the wall, and waited.
Being a bombcrafter was certainly an annoying job at times. A shipment of bomb bags was horribly late by the time the task was passed on to Vedrfolnir. Not being a formal postman, the male expected ample compensation for the speed that would be required to make it on time. Pulling a few strings, the village elder of Dragon Roost had a few rare herbs waiting for Vedr at the drop off for the bomb bags. The male was told the herbs provide curious effects when combined with gunpowder. With his interests piqued, Vedrfolnir set off with an adventurer pouch that contained the bomb bags. That was about two days ago. With minor stops here and there to rest, the male had reach the end of his journey. Having finally arrived at the Western Caves. The cheerfulness of the Gerudo that he delivered the pouch to was a bit unnerving. Seriously, that was probably the most chipper person Vedr had ever met, which was surprising in itself, let alone with all other factors added in. Though the female was getting a lot of bombs. Vedr could see how that would make someone happy. With one of the bottles Vedr carried with him now filled with a strange herb, the male eyed it with curiosity as he walked by many of the caves. They really where some curious herbs.
Eira had just come from the mountains in order to visit Kakariko Village. She had gotten wind of a refugee camp in the western caves so she had decided to explore and check it out. She traveled for a while encountering all types of Monsters and wildlife. Going through Death Mountain had been hell in and of itself. Luckily a nearby Goron had come to help her out, otherwise she would never have passed through there alive. The entire trek took a couple of days until finally she had arrived at Kakariko village. Here she would rest until she made it to the western caves the next morning. That next afternoon Eira awoke realizing she had overslept. She rushed out of town and headed for the western caves. She made it to the caves by sundown and slipped in. Her bow and arrow would make her stand out but she had already made it inside so what was the point of being here if she didn't check this place out. As everyone left to go to sleep she would overhear a discussion between a man and his mother. It seemed like the man was afraid to leave at night. What exactly was this man afraid of? On her way here Eira simply shot what ever she saw as a monster with her bow and arrow, even though she had a bit of trouble in Death mountain, and maybe hyrule field but that was beside the point. This man was older than Eira and she had more balls than he did. Eira would keep her presence hidden for the time being. Hiding behind a nearby rock and watching the mother in plain sight, she would see what this lady was standing outside for when she had a perfectly good place to stand inside.
(OOC: Not to be rude, but coming for a visit to kakariko village makes no sense. It's most likely the second most monster infested place. And Death Mountain being the first. I really am trying not to be rude, but its extremely unlikely a ten year old could survive, regardless of how strong she is. Is it possible for you to edit that? I mean no offense. But she would be like monster bait all alone. I will make my next post tomorrow, typing on a tablet is very hard for a guy with huge fingers.) The lady, seemingly gave up, and walked back inside. The person she had asked didn't come. She was just about the head to sleep when she saw a peculiar sight, a Rito. Its been a long time since she saw a Rito, and this one wasn't any different. She watched him for a little bit, the birdman seemed to be examining an herb. Strange, not many Rito were skilled in herbology. After a little while, an idea popped into her head. She walked over to the man, and greeted him. "Hello there, my name is Laza Darhun. " She bowed slightly. "If its not to much of a bother, I have a request for you." She sighed, she hoped he would listen to her. "I don't have much, but will you please help me?" She said, almost pleading.
"Hmm?" Most of the people in this desolate area had been keeping to themselves. There was the odd nod here and there, but nothing noteworthy. When the female Hylian approached him, it took the Rito off guard a bit. The male tucked his prize into the satchel thrown over his left arm. A bit more composed, the male addressed the females question. The Rito cleared his throat before speaking. If the monsters between here and his home didn't get him, this dry air damn sure would. "Hello there. I am Vedrfolnir. Its nice to meet you. Well, you see I am in a bit of a hurry...." The male mulled over things in his head once more. Vedr had a bad knack for brushing people off and it made the Rito seem very cold. In truth, he wasn't cold, merely absorbed in the task at hand. The male really needed to listen to people more so he seemed more approachable. What good is a merchant who has no customers? In all the males thought, Vedr had brought his hand to his hand and was stroking it softly in thought. Reaching a conclusion, the male flicked his hand out in a gesture of nonchalance. "However, if the task won't take up much time then I don't see why a moment or two could not be spared to help you out. What is it that you need?"
The lady smiled. "My son is traveling to the Eastern Caves at sunrise." The lady explained. "I know its a long journey, but I can make it worth your while." She held out a few large yellow rupees. Her hand shook as she held them out in front of her, obviously slightly cold. She coughed and cleared her throat. "I'm not as young as I used to be, could you please travel with him and keep him safe." The woman was telling the truth. Winkles were very prominent on her face, and her eyelids sagged. She must have once been beautiful, but age had changed her. It was obvious that she was hardened by the desert, but there was still a sweet tenderness to her. "My son is the only family I have left." She stated to the Rito. "He won't accept you following him, but please help him."
Not too far away, Ciska made her landing near the entrance of the Western Caves. It was a long and exhausting flight from her home in Dragon Roost, but to her it was absolutely worth it. She let a content sigh slip past her lips as her eyes gazed upon the vast and unending desert that surrounded her. She made it safely to Southern Hyrule. A region plagued by monsters and beasts that are notoriously more vicious than their northern counterparts. It was the first area to be ravaged by the evil king's corrupted touch. But most importantly to her, it was region that's absolutely sublime for her research. She entered the caves to gather information about the local monsters from the inhabitants. After all, her old text books can only tell her so much. The best way to learn is through hands-on experience, and who has more experience here than the Hylian refugees that make this desert their home? The Western caves were vastly different to her home island. As embarrassing as it was to admit, a navigator she was not. It didn't take long for her to become totally lost in these winding tunnels. It was only by chance that she happened upon Laza and Vedrfolnir, the latter of which truly piquing her interest. "What's another Rito doing way out here...?" She thought to herself. The obvious answer would of course be that he was simply delivering some goods. However, delivering items to Southern Hyrule was no illustrious task. Whatever he was delivering, if anything, must be something important or amazing. She couldn't help but eavesdrop out of sheer curiosity, and that's when she heard the woman's full story. "I'm so sorry for eavesdropping, but I heard the whole thing" The Rito spoke up, stepping out from behind the wall that previously served as her hiding spot. "My name is Ciska, and I research monsters and their behavior patterns. Right now I'm planning on traveling across the desert to document the monsters that reside there anyway, so escorting your son along the way shouldn't be an issue at all." Ciska beamed a bright smile before motioning towards the large bident that's currently strapped to her back. "Plus, I'm not bad with a spear either. Your son would be in good hands!"
"Keep your rupees, Mam. The herb you saw me examining was well worth the trip here and then some. I would be happy to help you and your son out." Vedr then craned his head to the side to see something quite unusual. It was a Rito in the desert! Well, truth be told he was in the desert as well, however Vedrfolnir always regarded himself as a "Special" case. Very rarely did he follow the social norms of the Rito tribe. Hearing the female speak for a moment, the male waited and poke once she had finished. "Besides, it seems we have another willing to take up the task. I think between the two of us, your son is in good hands. Assuming of course our eavesdropper is up to the challenge?" Vedrfolnir now looked to Ciska. He was not upset that she had been eavesdropping, on the contrary, two people would mean half the work for Vedr. Vedr was not to bad with a sword, so he could hold his own. The male was more curious as to if the female could do the same. As cold as the male seemed at times, Vedr truly did hate seeing a comrade die and if that is what this was leading to, he would rather her stay here.
Laza smiled, and tucked her rupees back into her side pocket. Obviously pleased she was able to remain in possession of them. "Since your going to help me out, the least I can do is give you a place to sleep." She turns around and motions for the two Rito to follow her. Where she stopped, it seemed like a large curtain was hanging on the cave wall. Moving the curtain aside, a small cave was behind it. "This is my home." The lady said as she props the curtain open with a large rock. Inside furs from various animals lined the walls and floors. From rabbits, to wolfos, they were being used as rugs, and blankets. Two stalactites hung from the ceiling, and several stalagmites were in random places around the room. One stalagmite in particular seemed to be used for a coat rack. Candles were as much as a common site as the furs were. Varieties of scents filled the air, assumingly from the candles. Laza walked inside and sat down on an old wooden chair. She pointed back to another wall in the back, which also had several curtains on it. "My son is currently sleeping back there." She groans as she stands up from the chair, wondering why she sat down in the first place. "Indents in this wall make really nice bunks." She walks over to the wall slowly and moves a curtain aside. Behind, a large hylian sized indent was in the wall. Several furs lay on the bed, apparently being used to protect from the cold stone. "This one would fit the young lady nicely." Laza said motioning to the female Rito. "I'm sure one of the others will be large enough for you." She patted the male Rito on the shoulder, "I'll find a place for you, don't you worry." ------------------------------------------------------------------ Kalvar was lying in bed, half asleep, when he heard his mother walk in. He was about to greet her, until he heard her talking to someone. She seemed to be showing someone around their little home cave. He peeked an eye out from behind the curtain, and saw two Rito. He had seen rito before, but these two were very different from each other. One was much shorter than the other, and the tall one would have problems not hitting his head on the stalactites. Kalvar chuckled, he had done that more than once. As she walked closer to the back, he closed his curtain. No need to show he was awake, he wanted to find out who these people were. He rolled over and thought. His mother was really worried about him travelling, but surely she knew hiring two Ritos to follow him would just slow him down, right?
"I'll gladly take you up on that offer!" Ciska replied before following the woman inside. Though she's usually a chipper and boundless ball of energy, her weariness from the long flight was finally beginning to take its tole on the young woman. "Right now, nothing sounds better than sleeping on a nice, warm bed." She added. Ciska's eyebrows raised as she ducked under the curtain and entered the woman's home. It wasn't at all what she was expecting, though she wasn't quite sure what she should have expected in the first place. The dwelling was not too far removed from the Rito's own home back in the hollowed caves of Dragon Roost. Traditional Rito tapistries replaced by various furs. Naturally lit windows replaced by a number of candles. The primary distinction between the two dwellings being how much more rural this Hylian settlement seemed in comparison, what with its lack of actual wooden furniture. Ciska's eyes continued to glance around the room as she silently admired the woman's decorative touch. Simple, yet homey. Her attention was quickly regained however, as soon as she heard mention of a bed. Her fingers already eagerly darted to her back, quickly working on untying the buckler that held the purple breastplate close to her body as another smile beamed across her face. "Like I said, I can't wait to lay down on a warm... Rock." Her excitement quickly faded as the curtain was pulled and she saw the stone that she would actually be sleeping on. "...I appreciate the hospitality, ma'am." She spoke up, not wanting to come off as rude. "It's still better than sleeping outside..." She mentally added as she absentmindedly ran her fingertips across the cool stone that made up her bunk. She plopped down on the edge of her bed as the woman moved on to attend to the other Rito that would be joining them. "Do all the Hylians here live in dens like this?" She asked. Her curiosity finally getting the better of her as she continued to undue the ties to her armor.
Nodding in agreement to the woman's proposal, Vedr followed Laza back to the cave she and her son called home. The place seemed simple enough, not like some of the finer homes the male had visited on various errands, but the use of furs and candles made the place feel more comforting. It actually reminded him a bit of life on Dragon Roost. That in itself comforted the male a bit as Vedr listened to the lady speak of their bunks and her son in the back. Vedr smiled a little as Laza patted his shoulder. "You Needn't worry about me Mam. Im used to places far less hospitable than this. As long as there is one of these nice furs to sit on and a wall to rest my back on, I will sleep just fine." Unstrapping the sword holstered at the males side, Vedr propped the blade up against the cave wall and sat down next to it. Vedrfolnir began to doze a bit before being awoken ed by Ciska's question. urious, the male perked up and listened in to see what Laza had to say. Vedr hadn't been in southern Hyrule but one or two times. It was largely a mystery to him. "And if you don't care mam, Do you think you could tell us a bit more about where it is we are going? How long the journey should take, dangers along the way, those sort of things. It will be much easier to protect your son the more prepared we are."
The mother sighed. "Not everyone has a den like this." She explained. "We're lucky, others have to sleep in rooms with many other people." She sat down on her wooden chair, and grabbed a nearby blanket. She covered herself up, apparently she had given her bed to Ciska. Soon after, the other rito asked her a question. She scratched her head. "The only thing I know, is that monsters roam the desert." She frowned. "Not many people have left the caves, and then decided to come back to them. There's not much that keeps people here but family." Suddenly her face got dark, she stopped talking and stared at the wall. A tear came down her face, but she was quick to cover it up. She didn't want them to know how upset she was. "I'm sorry, I'm just really sleepy. My old bones can't handle much any more." Leaning back in her chair, she slowly fell asleep. Light snoring could be heard a minute later. ---------------------------------- Kalvar couldn't believe it. When the male Rito asked about the journey, he knew what she had done. She had hired two Rito to keep and eye on him and keep him out of trouble. He fumed, I'm not a little kid anymore, he thought to himself. I can take care of myself. An idea formed in his mind. As soon as they were all asleep, he would head out. There was nothing that could change his mind. He didn't need anyone, he had himself.
"Shared rooms? That's horrible! What about your privacy?!?" Ciska exclaimed in disbelief. "I had no idea the living conditions in the Caves were so... Like this." Slipping under the bed covers, her eyes remained focused on the ceiling above her as mind continued to process this information. "For all their castles and wealth, I can't believe the North hasn't sent you more aid..." She wondered, speaking in a more hushed tone now. She then turned her head back towards the woman once she began talking about her knowledge of the outside. Just in time to see her emotions get the better of her Ciska opened her mouth to speak again. Hoping to offer some words of comfort to the poor, obviously heartbroken woman. Yet nothing was said. Only a meager "Goodnight..." Was able to slip past her lips before she too eventually drifted off to sleep.
"I see. We will have to be on our guard then. " While not living in an actual cave, Vedr had spent the night in one enough times to know what little privacy they offered. That was not to mention what little protection they offered. The people here where most likely in constant fear of being attacked by any sort of monsters. These people really needed more protection than what meager bit these walls afforded. If Vedr had been in a better position financially to do so, he wouldn't mind making a supply of bombs for the village to defend itself and teach them how to do the same. Logging this thought into memory for a future time, the male soon began to doze off before sleep finally took the male.
An hour later, the curtain on the wall opens up. Kalvar steps out, and looks at the two Ritos. One was behind a curtain, and he didn't want wake it up. The other was propped up against a wall. It was a rare occurrence when any other species besides Hylians, Gerudos and Mogmas are seen in these caves. He couldn't help but stare at his beak, it was so strange to him. A strange thought popped into his head. Was it possible for Rito to whistle? He couldn't help but laugh at the thought. Kalvar gently tiptoed to the door. His equipment and supplies lay next to the exit, all ready for him to go. He sighed, his mom had prepared his stuff, giving him food and other various things she deemed important. Strangely, a small cloth bag was resting on top of his pile. He picked it up, clearly curious. Pouring the contents into his hand, a ring and a note fell out. The ring was fairly simple, and a large dark blue jewel was embedded in the top of it. Intrigued on what the ring was, he read the note. It read, 'I know how much you must hate me for keeping the truth of your father from you all those years, but I thought I was doing the right thing. I didn't want you to charge senselessly into battle to find him. I was hoping he would come back before you asked any questions, but he didn't. I'm not asking you to forgive me, but I am asking that you take this ring. It was your fathers, and he told me to give it to you when you became a man. I had forgotten all this time, trying not to think about him, it would only sadden me. Please take his ring, it gave him good luck. Maybe it will do the same for you? I want you to come back safe and sound. -Laza' Kalvar looked over at his mother, asleep in her chair. A tear appeared on his face, he walked over to his mom, and kissed her on the cheek. Without thinking, he grabbed a quill off of the table, and wrote a hurried note on the back of it. Laying it on her lap. He placed the ring on his finger, and walked out of the room. The note read, I forgive you.
(Sorry for the late post! And btw, Rito’s have normal mouths. Their beaks are just really big noses. ) Ciska’s eyes fluttered open shortly after the young Hylian boy left the room. She groaned inwardly, forcing herself to sit up on her bunk and collect her thoughts. “Great, so I guess the kid decided to run off after all...” She sighed as she rubbed the sleep out of her tired eyes. Glancing around the room, she located her spear and armor resting at the foot of her bunk, and the other Rito seemingly still asleep in his corner. The feathered woman stood up and strapped the breastplate to her body as quietly as the large metal pieces would allow. She then grabbed her spear and tip-toed over to the other rito, then tapped the man’s knee with the butt of her staff. “Hey, are you awake?” she spoke in a hushed tone to avoid waking Laza. “The kid just ran out of the house... We should probably get moving now if we don’t want to lose him.” the girl sighed again as she mounted her tight-fitting helmet back onto her head. “Why can’t these types of things ever be easy?”
