after a soothing swim through aquame lake, the zora flops his way over to the outskirt stable's cooking pot, where he makes good use of some of the ingredients he's been hauling around. cooking too much isn't that big of a deal, he figures. if he can't finish it, he'll just wrap it up and eat it tomorrow!
some of the stables hylian residents are looking at him oddly — it's rare for zora to travel any further west than lake hylia, and he's oddly petite, for a full-grown male — but alca pays them no mind as he continues serenely cooking up a storm. today he's making salmon meunière, which was oddly popular in rito village last time he was there...]
And the little fish went flop, flop, flop... ♪ Flop down the waterfall, drop, drop, drop...
[anyone who walks past the river that cuts through dueling peaks today will hear, uh... screaming.]
Heeelp! Heeeelp! Ow! Someone heeelp — !
[some poor zora has gotten cornered by bokoblins — evidently they managed to overpower him and take his stuff, since one is dancing around the fire with his bag of cooking utensils and goodies, and another is waving his shiny zora-made dagger around. a few others are, well, mercilessly poking and beating him with sticks. alca wears a zora guard breastplate, but not the shoulder pads and armguards that normally come with the uniform, so it's not really doing much to protect him from the blows. he's... crying.]
[sometimes alca doesn't actually want to do anything. sometimes he just... floats. he just takes his things and places them on his chest, and he floats lazily through whatever still body of water he can find. he looks at the sky. he dreams about things that make him happy, like safe, peaceful springs, and chunks of delicious, tender meat.
today he is floating down the zora river — which is not a still body of water, but it's okay! he knows the zora river very well. he knows exactly how long he can float downstream (until he gets to the inogo bridge, at least, after which maybe he shouldn't keep floating).
for some reason, he can't bring himself to ever follow the zora river to its source.
so... he floats. and he floats. and anybody who happens to be coming up or down the river that day will see a blue zora with his hands clasped over a bag on top of his chest, just... floating.]
[Sidon doesn't traverse very far. He has traveled passed the river and even to the stable passed the swamp lands, but it was hard to make much distance passed that without bodies of water to constantly be in. He wanted to eventually see more though. There was much of the land he wished to experience.
It was hard given the fact that he was the son of the King and his sister had passed long ago due to Calamity Ganon.
He really loved swimming though. Often traveled through the river. Things were much safer now and he could do it without as much worry. It's what he's currently doing; swimming through the river leisurely.
Sidon slows a bit as he sees Alca's body floating above. The silhouette was unfamiliar to him. He was quite good at recognizing those that frequent the Domain and he couldn't say that this particular Zora was one he saw around often. If at all actually. Sidon like to think that he was pretty good at remembering all his people and he definitely didn't recognize this one.
It's why he swims towards the other; intent on speaking to them. Perhaps it was someone he knew and he had just misplaced their name and appearance.]
[Kass' body ached. He had been traveling searching for ancient verses. He had a promise to keep and a goal in mind, but he found himself becoming a bit homesick. It was early into his journey, but perhaps that's why his heart ached as much as his body did at the moment. There was still much land to traverse and he already missed the sounds of his daughters and the company of his wife.
The large Rito landed near the stable and stretched his wings before making his way towards the stable. As he approached, the familiar smell of salmon has him curious. It reminded him of home immediately and of a particular daughter who always wanted it. Of course it couldn't be his family, but he was curious of who was cooking it. Salmon isn't a fish he feels was extremely common in the waters near the stable.
Seeing a Zora was more surprising, but he wouldn't question it. Many seeked adventure and traveling was common amongst all the races. He just imagined that Zoras were more limited at times.]
[salmon isn't common near the stables at all! alca's actually traveled a good distance with it in hand, but he's not quite aware of just how far he swam while he was running away from moblins earlier in the morning.
that being said, he looks up in surprise at the sound of kass's voice. a bird?! oh, wait. a rito! he waves his little cooking ladle and smiles (why does he have it? he doesn't need it...).]
Oh! Hello! [a pause, as the compliment digests.] Oh. Thank you!
[do zoras itch? either way, he scratches his cheek in what appears to be a sheepish, bashful motion.]
I make the songs up as I go along, so I'm not going to remember them again... Sorry.
[with his eyes closed, one might even suspect that alca is dead, since he bobs along so gently in the water... but the sounds of sidon splashing closer alert him to a visitor. he turns his head, a little startled and ready to run away in the case that said guest is a lizalfos... but, oh, it's just another zora. a big zora! but still, just another zora.
[Link had been traveling for awhile now. He had a lot to do. Recover memories and free the Divine Beasts from Ganon's grasp to just learning the land. Time was of the essence, but there was just only so much he could do a day.
He had been looking at the Sheikah Slate when he hears the screaming. Quickly putting the Slate away; he leads his horse in the direction he hears the screaming. A quick glance of the scene while he approaches is enough for him to take in what's happening. Link doesn't wait for his horse to stop and leaps off it; bow raised.
An arrow pierces one of the many bokoblins that had been beating on Alca.]
[How peculiar! Kass is particularly curious about the Zora. He just seems so out of place.
The large Rito smiles softly at the other though. They seem kind enough, and a kind stranger is always welcomed. Especially in such darker times.]
That is quite alright. It's a talent to be able to sing so freely. Not many can just make lyrics as they go, so I think such a skill is impressive. If I may though, you aren't from around here nor is the fish you are cooking. What brings you so far out?
[Hearing the travels of others was always a joy for him.]
[not quite the thing to say when one is being beaten by bokoblins, but that is what alca decides to do upon catching sight of link. the zora sniffles, but there's no time for additional whimpering as the bokoblins decide to take care of the new intruder before anything else.
two stick-wielding bokoblins yet remain. they advance upon link, pausing briefly to light their sticks in the campfire. the one holding alca's bag drops it in favor of snatching up a rock; the fourth and final bokoblin charges, waving alca's knife.]
[He doesn't think he's ever spoken to this Zora before. How interesting! Of course, he will not treat them any differently. Alca is still a Zora and one of his people.]
Quite a fine day! So fine that I decided I wanted to take a swim.
But where are my manners. I am Prince Sidon. I do believe that I have not seen you around before.
[The fact that Alca doesn't seem to recognize him tells him enough that he doesn't know the other. Any Zora that lives at the Domain know him.]
[Link only nods slightly in acknowledgment of Alca's greeting. He didn't have time to have a casual conversation at the moment. He wasn't much of a talker anyways.
One bokoblin down and four to go. They weren't going to give him much time to shoot and aim arrows at them now, so he puts away his bow. Hands free, he unsheathe his sword and pulls his shield out and moves to kill the bokoblin with Alca's knife first. It was the most dangerous of the four with it being armed proper. He'll dispose of the ones with sticks next.]
A rock? [Don't...rocks sink. They certainly don't float last he seen a rock in a river.] I would love to see this pretty rock of yours if you are willing to show it.
[food is clearly more important than any pretty rock. alca waits for his salmon to cook a bit more in the butter — the smell is heavenly, and the fish sizzles when he gently prods it with his ladle. what a happy sound!
at last alca's meal finishes cooking — he sets it gently onto a plate, garnishing it with a sprinkling of herbs. it's all in one piece, but it was a pretty big salmon. maybe it's too much for one zora? he looks at kass, tilting his head curiously.]
Hmm... are you hungry? Do you want some? We can share!
[that's... the funny squeak of surprise that alca emits as link's sword slices through the knife-wielding bokoblin. what a strong hylian! he was cool with the bow, too! alca's beloved dagger drops to the ground; technically, since he's not tied up, alca could pick it up and help link fight — but that hasn't quite occurred to him yet, since he's still scared, and sort of curled up in a defensive ball.
the two bokoblins equipped with fiery sticks growl intimidatingly. one aims a swing at link's head; the third, with the rock, throws it in link's direction.]
[alca flips his body so that he's facing sidon properly, floating waist-deep in the river; the proper size comparison reveals that he's quite a bit smaller than sidon, and a bit differently-proportioned, too — longer in the legs than in the torso. clearly, he's a zora, but he must be from very far away indeed... or he's just developed differently from all the traveling he's done outside the domain.]
Oh! I'm Alca! Nice to meet you, Prince Sidon!
[it... hasn't quite occurred to him that prince is a title and not simply part of sidon's name...]
I think I've been here before. But I'm not sure! I can't really remember. I'm bad at remembering anything that happened... more than two weeks ago.
[Link uses his shield to block the rock thrown at him before he's running forward to attack the bokoblins with sticks. He pierces one through the chest with his sword before smashing his shield against the face of other bokoblin.
It's fine if Alca doesn't try to help Link. Link will probably be fine. Maybe get a feel injuries like cuts or bruises here and there, but nothing he can't handle.]
[Sidon wonders where the other has been to if they were never at the Domain. Alca had clearly been somewhere else all this time.]
It is a pleasure, Alca.
[Alca...]
Up these waterfalls is Zora's Domain. It is the home of Zoras. Surely you have lived at the Domain at some point. Father has never spoken of any Zora settlements existing outside of here. Do you not know where you are?
[That is slightly concerning that Alca is not familiar with his surroundings if he's been traveling all this time.]
[He has a little girl who loves salmon meuniere. He's sure that she would find food much more important any rock no matter how pretty it might be. The smell and his thoughts reminds him how much he misses his daughters, but he pushes the thought out of his mind. The large Rito has much to do and not falter in it.
Kass smiles a bit warmly.]
I do not have much to offer back such a kind gesture.
It's okay! I like sharing food. I don't need anything in return.
[with surprising deftness, alca splits the slab of salmon with his clean knife, though as he only has one plate, he offers kass the whole dish so that the rito can eat first. alca pauses, however, halfway through, his small face seized by surprise.]
O-Oh! But if you don't like fish, you don't have to eat it!
[Kass can't help but chuckle at the other. He doesn't mean to be rude, but the other was so earnest. That, and fish was usually common in a Rito's diet. He takes the dish from the Zora with a soft smile.]
I wouldn't worry too much. Rito village is surrounded by water, so fish is common in the meals I cooked for my family. If anything, this happens to be a reminder of home. I have a young daughter who happens to find this dish one of her favorites. She usuallly always wants it.
I cannot offer much in return, but I can sing and play you a song while you eat.
[Well that's a little concerning. He's glad that the other seems healthy. He'd be very worried about their safety if they didn't even seem to know where they were...]
Surely you must come visit then! Zora's Domain will always be a home to Zoras and I am more than happy to welcome you back to its luminous pillars! I am sure everyone would be curious to hear of your travels if you are open to speaking about them!
[It isn't very often that someone would see a Zora very far from the Domain.]
[the little zora seems to go a mile a minute. as soon as alca passes the plate of salmon into kass's hands, he remembers his promise from earlier — the pretty rock he saw floating in the river! right! he dives into his bag without warning, eventually resurfacing with a large, vaguely green dragon's scale in his hands.]
You wanted to see this, right? The pretty rock I found? Isn't it a weird shape?
[the slain bokoblin, like most of calamity ganon's minions, disappears into a cloud of smoke and ashes once felled. now, only the rock-throwing bokoblin remains. it growls, searching for a weapon; it sees one in the form of alca's dagger, still lying in the dirt.
alca sees his dagger, too. the zora looks at the silver knife, and then at the bokoblin — they lock eyes, temporarily forgetting about link. suddenly, without warning, the bokoblin lunges for the dagger.
so does alca.]
Hands off! That's mine!
[...it's a bit funny to see a zora hissing and clawing at a bokoblin like some sort of scaly, fishy cat, but that's what winds up happening as alca and the bokoblin wind up fighting over his knife. what's a hero to do?]
[one should not, generally, decide to go with strangers in the span of about two seconds — but in alca's defense, sidon seems nice! and kind. and big. and strong. idly, alca wonders who is the faster swimmer between them; in the blink of an eye, he swims a circle around sidon, to express his eagerness and excitedness.]
So, we're both going home, right? Is there anything good to eat at home? I'm hungry...
[somehow, it's like picking up a younger sibling...]
[Honestly? Link is just a little taken aback with the scene he's currently witnessing. It's almost rather comical to see a Zora attacking a bokoblin the way Alca is doing so.
Of course, he isn't just going to stand there though.
He's supposed to be protecting people and assisting them. Even if Alca can take care of himself, he rather be sure it's possible. While the two are skirmishing, Link pulls out his bow again and gets ready to launch an arrow at the bokoblin while they're fighting.]
[alca tilts his head and holds his "rock" up to the light. well... it is scale-shaped, isn't it? though his own scales are softer, and smaller, and not as hard. he frowns.]
Um... I think I found it in Lake Hylia? Not too far from here! Ooh, and it was storming that day, too. At least, I thought I heard thunder.
[again, alca makes a strange sound as he's startled — suddenly, the bokoblin he was wrestling with gets pierced by link's arrow, and promptly dissipates into ashes and smoke. breathing heavily, alca takes a moment to push himself off the ground, dagger in hand. the danger has passed. he's safe now.
he shakes his head, trying to regain his bearings, and then remembers his hylian savior.]
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for dedikassion
after a soothing swim through aquame lake, the zora flops his way over to the outskirt stable's cooking pot, where he makes good use of some of the ingredients he's been hauling around. cooking too much isn't that big of a deal, he figures. if he can't finish it, he'll just wrap it up and eat it tomorrow!
some of the stables hylian residents are looking at him oddly — it's rare for zora to travel any further west than lake hylia, and he's oddly petite, for a full-grown male — but alca pays them no mind as he continues serenely cooking up a storm. today he's making salmon meunière, which was oddly popular in rito village last time he was there...]
And the little fish went flop, flop, flop... ♪ Flop down the waterfall, drop, drop, drop...
for wipedslate
Heeelp! Heeeelp! Ow! Someone heeelp — !
[some poor zora has gotten cornered by bokoblins — evidently they managed to overpower him and take his stuff, since one is dancing around the fire with his bag of cooking utensils and goodies, and another is waving his shiny zora-made dagger around. a few others are, well, mercilessly poking and beating him with sticks. alca wears a zora guard breastplate, but not the shoulder pads and armguards that normally come with the uniform, so it's not really doing much to protect him from the blows. he's... crying.]
Stop it! You're hurting me!
for posidon
today he is floating down the zora river — which is not a still body of water, but it's okay! he knows the zora river very well. he knows exactly how long he can float downstream (until he gets to the inogo bridge, at least, after which maybe he shouldn't keep floating).
for some reason, he can't bring himself to ever follow the zora river to its source.
so... he floats. and he floats. and anybody who happens to be coming up or down the river that day will see a blue zora with his hands clasped over a bag on top of his chest, just... floating.]
no subject
It was hard given the fact that he was the son of the King and his sister had passed long ago due to Calamity Ganon.
He really loved swimming though. Often traveled through the river. Things were much safer now and he could do it without as much worry. It's what he's currently doing; swimming through the river leisurely.
Sidon slows a bit as he sees Alca's body floating above. The silhouette was unfamiliar to him. He was quite good at recognizing those that frequent the Domain and he couldn't say that this particular Zora was one he saw around often. If at all actually. Sidon like to think that he was pretty good at remembering all his people and he definitely didn't recognize this one.
It's why he swims towards the other; intent on speaking to them. Perhaps it was someone he knew and he had just misplaced their name and appearance.]
no subject
The large Rito landed near the stable and stretched his wings before making his way towards the stable. As he approached, the familiar smell of salmon has him curious. It reminded him of home immediately and of a particular daughter who always wanted it. Of course it couldn't be his family, but he was curious of who was cooking it. Salmon isn't a fish he feels was extremely common in the waters near the stable.
Seeing a Zora was more surprising, but he wouldn't question it. Many seeked adventure and traveling was common amongst all the races. He just imagined that Zoras were more limited at times.]
You have a good voice.
no subject
that being said, he looks up in surprise at the sound of kass's voice. a bird?! oh, wait. a rito! he waves his little cooking ladle and smiles (why does he have it? he doesn't need it...).]
Oh! Hello! [a pause, as the compliment digests.] Oh. Thank you!
[do zoras itch? either way, he scratches his cheek in what appears to be a sheepish, bashful motion.]
I make the songs up as I go along, so I'm not going to remember them again... Sorry.
no subject
alca relaxes, and smiles dreamily in the water.]
Good morning! Isn't it a fine day today?
no subject
He had been looking at the Sheikah Slate when he hears the screaming. Quickly putting the Slate away; he leads his horse in the direction he hears the screaming. A quick glance of the scene while he approaches is enough for him to take in what's happening. Link doesn't wait for his horse to stop and leaps off it; bow raised.
An arrow pierces one of the many bokoblins that had been beating on Alca.]
no subject
The large Rito smiles softly at the other though. They seem kind enough, and a kind stranger is always welcomed. Especially in such darker times.]
That is quite alright. It's a talent to be able to sing so freely. Not many can just make lyrics as they go, so I think such a skill is impressive. If I may though, you aren't from around here nor is the fish you are cooking. What brings you so far out?
[Hearing the travels of others was always a joy for him.]
no subject
[...it's a hard question to answer. why does alca travel? the same reason birds fly, he supposes — he's never known any other life.]
...I felt like swimming really far today!
[yes... that's the reason. alca grins with childlike glee, turning the salmon over without looking.]
And there was a pretty rock floating downstream, so I chased it and chased it until I felt like it was okay to call it mine. Wanna see?
no subject
[not quite the thing to say when one is being beaten by bokoblins, but that is what alca decides to do upon catching sight of link. the zora sniffles, but there's no time for additional whimpering as the bokoblins decide to take care of the new intruder before anything else.
two stick-wielding bokoblins yet remain. they advance upon link, pausing briefly to light their sticks in the campfire. the one holding alca's bag drops it in favor of snatching up a rock; the fourth and final bokoblin charges, waving alca's knife.]
B-Be careful!
no subject
Quite a fine day! So fine that I decided I wanted to take a swim.
But where are my manners. I am Prince Sidon. I do believe that I have not seen you around before.
[The fact that Alca doesn't seem to recognize him tells him enough that he doesn't know the other. Any Zora that lives at the Domain know him.]
no subject
One bokoblin down and four to go. They weren't going to give him much time to shoot and aim arrows at them now, so he puts away his bow. Hands free, he unsheathe his sword and pulls his shield out and moves to kill the bokoblin with Alca's knife first. It was the most dangerous of the four with it being armed proper. He'll dispose of the ones with sticks next.]
no subject
[How peculiar!]
A rock? [Don't...rocks sink. They certainly don't float last he seen a rock in a river.] I would love to see this pretty rock of yours if you are willing to show it.
no subject
[food is clearly more important than any pretty rock. alca waits for his salmon to cook a bit more in the butter — the smell is heavenly, and the fish sizzles when he gently prods it with his ladle. what a happy sound!
at last alca's meal finishes cooking — he sets it gently onto a plate, garnishing it with a sprinkling of herbs. it's all in one piece, but it was a pretty big salmon. maybe it's too much for one zora? he looks at kass, tilting his head curiously.]
Hmm... are you hungry? Do you want some? We can share!
no subject
[that's... the funny squeak of surprise that alca emits as link's sword slices through the knife-wielding bokoblin. what a strong hylian! he was cool with the bow, too! alca's beloved dagger drops to the ground; technically, since he's not tied up, alca could pick it up and help link fight — but that hasn't quite occurred to him yet, since he's still scared, and sort of curled up in a defensive ball.
the two bokoblins equipped with fiery sticks growl intimidatingly. one aims a swing at link's head; the third, with the rock, throws it in link's direction.]
no subject
Oh! I'm Alca! Nice to meet you, Prince Sidon!
[it... hasn't quite occurred to him that prince is a title and not simply part of sidon's name...]
I think I've been here before. But I'm not sure! I can't really remember. I'm bad at remembering anything that happened... more than two weeks ago.
[...alca...]
no subject
It's fine if Alca doesn't try to help Link. Link will probably be fine. Maybe get a feel injuries like cuts or bruises here and there, but nothing he can't handle.]
no subject
It is a pleasure, Alca.
[Alca...]
Up these waterfalls is Zora's Domain. It is the home of Zoras. Surely you have lived at the Domain at some point. Father has never spoken of any Zora settlements existing outside of here. Do you not know where you are?
[That is slightly concerning that Alca is not familiar with his surroundings if he's been traveling all this time.]
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Kass smiles a bit warmly.]
I do not have much to offer back such a kind gesture.
no subject
...I don't!
[no, he does not know where he is. at all. but it's nice! that's the most important part!]
But! If it's the home of all the Zoras, is it my home too? I'm a Zora, right?
no subject
[with surprising deftness, alca splits the slab of salmon with his clean knife, though as he only has one plate, he offers kass the whole dish so that the rito can eat first. alca pauses, however, halfway through, his small face seized by surprise.]
O-Oh! But if you don't like fish, you don't have to eat it!
no subject
I wouldn't worry too much. Rito village is surrounded by water, so fish is common in the meals I cooked for my family. If anything, this happens to be a reminder of home. I have a young daughter who happens to find this dish one of her favorites. She usuallly always wants it.
I cannot offer much in return, but I can sing and play you a song while you eat.
no subject
Surely you must come visit then! Zora's Domain will always be a home to Zoras and I am more than happy to welcome you back to its luminous pillars! I am sure everyone would be curious to hear of your travels if you are open to speaking about them!
[It isn't very often that someone would see a Zora very far from the Domain.]
You will accompany me back to the Domain, yes?
no subject
[the little zora seems to go a mile a minute. as soon as alca passes the plate of salmon into kass's hands, he remembers his promise from earlier — the pretty rock he saw floating in the river! right! he dives into his bag without warning, eventually resurfacing with a large, vaguely green dragon's scale in his hands.]
You wanted to see this, right? The pretty rock I found? Isn't it a weird shape?
no subject
alca sees his dagger, too. the zora looks at the silver knife, and then at the bokoblin — they lock eyes, temporarily forgetting about link. suddenly, without warning, the bokoblin lunges for the dagger.
so does alca.]
Hands off! That's mine!
[...it's a bit funny to see a zora hissing and clawing at a bokoblin like some sort of scaly, fishy cat, but that's what winds up happening as alca and the bokoblin wind up fighting over his knife. what's a hero to do?]
no subject
...Okay!
[one should not, generally, decide to go with strangers in the span of about two seconds — but in alca's defense, sidon seems nice! and kind. and big. and strong. idly, alca wonders who is the faster swimmer between them; in the blink of an eye, he swims a circle around sidon, to express his eagerness and excitedness.]
So, we're both going home, right? Is there anything good to eat at home? I'm hungry...
[somehow, it's like picking up a younger sibling...]
no subject
I believe that what you found isn't quite a rock. It is something more incredible. I am sure that it is a scale of some kind.
[It looks like a scale, but it's rather big. It must have came from such a large creature to be that size.] Where did you find such a thing?
no subject
Of course, he isn't just going to stand there though.
He's supposed to be protecting people and assisting them. Even if Alca can take care of himself, he rather be sure it's possible. While the two are skirmishing, Link pulls out his bow again and gets ready to launch an arrow at the bokoblin while they're fighting.]
no subject
[alca tilts his head and holds his "rock" up to the light. well... it is scale-shaped, isn't it? though his own scales are softer, and smaller, and not as hard. he frowns.]
Um... I think I found it in Lake Hylia? Not too far from here! Ooh, and it was storming that day, too. At least, I thought I heard thunder.
no subject
[again, alca makes a strange sound as he's startled — suddenly, the bokoblin he was wrestling with gets pierced by link's arrow, and promptly dissipates into ashes and smoke. breathing heavily, alca takes a moment to push himself off the ground, dagger in hand. the danger has passed. he's safe now.
he shakes his head, trying to regain his bearings, and then remembers his hylian savior.]
Oh, um...
[he blinks.]
...You saved me! Right? Thank you so much!