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Linktober, Day 1

Merchant

*walks on in, drops this, mock salutes, refuses to elaborate* Shorter one this time because Ravio is a delight but also incredibly difficult to write for me and because sadly I've been too busy latelro fully figure him out. I apologize to all my fellow Ravio lovers out there, ALBW's was my third game and I really have a soft spot for him and Legend as a result. Maybe next year I'll write something longer or him or a stand alone.

Can be read as both pre romantic or platonic on either end, as well as non LU whatever floats y'all's boat I'm just here due to self indulgence and the LoZ/LU fixation hitting full force lol.

Meeting Ravio was always a bewildering delight.

Coming to Legend's Hyrule and watching his house being converted into a shop each and every time was always a great source of amusement to you and the Chain, the Lorulean always made sure to almost knock the Veteran to the ground with a rabbit worthy tackle with a delighted call of 'Mr.Hero! I'd recognize that annoyed lilt coming up the path anywhere!', hopping along the road as soon as you crossed the orchard boundaries to witness whatever glorious change he made to the house's exterior advertisement campaing (much to Legend's horrified ire), then turn to the Chain with a gleam in his verdant eyes that seemed to scream 'BUSINESS!' with the sound of clinking Rupees for added comical effect, shrewd and always looking for an opportunity to sell, rent or buy for expand his own business reach.

The clear soft spot Legend had for him was equally in half parts comical and sweet, it was in the way how he seemed to soften the feral fox sharp bite of his acerbic bladed tongue. How he let Ravio handle the cooking as soon as you had been welcomed into the house (although given the lack of cooking skills among many members of the Chain, maybe that was for the best), how he relaxed just a bit around the merchant being at his back or leaning against him in all sorts of ways even as he snapped against allowing Ravio to sell anything to you all in the Chain (for good reason, you saw Ravio's prices and had no desire to sell an arm or a leg for any of his goods) and how Ravio knew just how he liked his apple and cinnamon tea and how he knew Ravio was delighted by the existence of latte's once you reached Legend how to make them with Wild.

It was interesting to watch to say the least, specially given how Ravio behaved around anyone else, light footed, always watching and a bit skittish, always ready to run and take his goods with him if needed be. A survivor through and through and given your similar situations, you could respect that though you sadly weren't close, you heard bits and pieces from Legend when he felt generous or reminiscing or complaining about how Lorule was like, so to be able to make a living as a merchant there and stand up to it's queen was quite admirable, specially for a self proclaimed coward though you sadly couldn't interact much in account to the world hopping (no you're not bitter Dark Link or Hylia or whoever is up to controlling the portals you just want to talk, preferably with your fists or trusty dagger).

Which was why when the merchant approached you one fine afternoon in the orchard where you were picking apples for breakfast (determined to help this time before either Ravio or Wild could get to the kitchen), chatty as always and with the patented business smile on his face you couldn't help but be half baffled half unsurprised as you can hear Legend's previous warnings your head, as this really was inevitable.

"Look, Rav can be a bit much and a bit weird, and sure you may want to smack him over the ears for always sniffing for the opportunity to make rupees like a Like Like on the prowl. But he means well and is a really nice lad, just- tell him a firm no if he tries to sell or rent you anything alright?"

"Oh hello there!~ Fancy meeting you here, isn't it?" His voice skittered up on you as he slipped to your side, steps quick and light, Sherrow thrilled at you from between the ears of his hood, coy as a rabbit trying to pass unnoticed in the woods, assessing and prodding.

You couldn't help a small quirk of an eyebrow, reaching up for one of the bright red apples closest to you, "We've been here for at least a week now Ravio, if anything it's a miracle we're only talking now given we see each other every day."

He nodded, long sleeved hands waving around as he spoke, you think you can catch a hint of a smile on his voice, less business like, "Indeed! Didn't expect Mr.Hero to pick up anymore strays, although I did believe he was complaining less coming up the path so that should have been my first warning." He extends his hands towards the basket, head tilted, making Sherrow move to his shoulder with a little chirp, "Need some help with that?"

"That depends, will you charge me for it if I say yes?", you rib back, lips quirking a bit at the affronted gasp and mock swoon from the Lorulean.

"Why! I would never, you're a guest of Mr.Hero's, it would be bad manners to charge you on your first week here." Sherrow nodded along with a little thrill, and you almost fully believed him, almost. He sounded too innocent.

"I'll keep it in mind for next time then." You chirped back, cheerfully as you dropped an apple by him, the merchant laughed, picking up the basket anyway and letting the apple fall inside.

"Oh I like you, it's no wonder Mr.Hero sounds less grumpy when talking about you." He nodded to himself, not fully relaxed, but more loose now at whatever discovery he'd made, you tilted your head with a blink, "I feel like this will be the start of a wonderful friendship!"

You smile back, amused despite yourself, "I'm afraid I'll have to charge you for the honor."

He laughed, shoulders shaking as he accepts more of your dropped apples, "Honestly that's clever, I should have thought of that when meeting Mr.Hero the first time! 'Ravio's Friendship Services for Rent, Advice Free of charge!' Think that would attract a good clientele?" You can swear he winked beneath the hood. Cheeky.

You couldn't help but laugh with him, you know, Legend was right, Ravio was really nice.

He eventually sobered up, tone soft, "I mean it though, Mr.Hero talks well about you." He shrugs a bit, distinctly sheepish and serious, a paradoxical mix but in a way, it fit, "Well, don't tell him I told you that, I think we both know he'd agree to nothing, but I'm glad he has someone looking out for him you know? I know I couldn't do half of the stuff he does, just help from the sidelines, so thank you, for looking out for him."

You blink, softening a bit, you can't see his face beneath the blue eyes of the hood, but you don't need to. In the end, you both care about Legend, so it makes sense he'd want to get a feel for you himself, "Of course, and that's not true, you know? Legend is... definitely a hard nut to crack, but to say he doesn't care about you and what you did for him would be a lie. So if anything, thank you." You smile, a bit helplessly, "I just do what I can, but I wouldn't be able to do if not for you looking out for him first."

He pauses, stilling, too still and a contrast from the way he was so jittery before, but then nods firmly, something like relief coloring his voice as well as pleasant surprise, the chirper tone making it's reappearance aftef a second, "Of course, I'm his most reliable salesman of course! I need to look out for my best and favorite customer!", he clears his throat, is that a hint of crimson on his cheeks? You can't tell beneath the scarf, though you can recognize the immediate conniving tone to his voice, "So... Mr.Hero talks well about me, huh?"

Ah yes, the need for blackmail material. Somehow you're not surprised.

... To be fair, you're curious yourself too. "Help me with making fruit tarts for breakfast and I might consider a mutually beneficial exchange of information."

His grin widened, almost knife sharp, "Only if you help me organize the merchandise at the shop after! We have much to talk about I believe."

You are so glad you passed whatever unseen test he was putting you through. You offer him a hand, "Deal."

You shake on it, understanding being conveyed without words.

Legend was dear to you both, so you'd both work together to look after him.

(Much, much later, after waking up from the first goodnight of sleep he had in a while, Legend will find you both in his kitchen, Ravio chattering enthusiastically as you both enjoy your hard work on the tarts over hibiscus tea, discussing the history of his many, many items and Ravio's goods and be simultaneously filled with warmth he'd take to his grave and feel a chill go up his spine. As if he's made a mistake somehow.

Ah well, it will probably be the best among his many other mistakes.)