Devon "LongShanks" Kelmore - The Disillusioned Aristocrat:
The Journey begins.
"Ahhh...Finally, good food an company, it's been far too long." Devon leaned back in his chair, basking in the warmth of a full belly, until he heard the intoning of a fae voice.
"Right this way." With no hesitation he stood up and followed Navi alongside the others. He had been raised his whole life to believe that above all else he must serve the royal family however he could given the chance, but he also had great respect for Zelda and her Father simply on their own merit. Looking around at the innards of the castle while Nami led them - he assumed - towards where they would be spending the night; he was appalled at how run down everything looked, obviously the King was doing whatever he could to finance the war on his own without taking what little his citizens had left. He was reminded just how pathetic his own family was.
I never noticed my own family seeming short on funds, even as things got worse. I bet they're still hoarding whatever valuables they can and attempting to look important. The king should tax the most wealthy families like my own to help pay for the war, but it's partly because he's such a kind soul that he won't...he's better than some of them deserve.
During Devon's inner musings their Fairy guide had led them all to a set of rooms. The thought of a good night's rest was so enticing it never even crossed his mind to invite any of the girls in the group to share his room(trust me in a less serious atmosphere or while less exhausted he would, because he's been in lonely in the wilderness and for the obvious reasons as much as for chivalry), as much as he'd also missed companionship since he left town sleeping in a bed was what mattered to him right then, not whether he could share it or not. He chose the closest room to where he had unconsciously stopped and waltzed in like a man posessed. Upon entrance to his chambers for the night Devon took a few more steps forward and froze. "Sweet Farore, Din, and Nayru. A bed! An actual warm, comfy bed! Forget how barren the rest of the room looked, it still had a plenty plush and inviting bed, and that was plenty for him. No sooner had he removed his boots than he dropped face-first onto beautiful bed and for the first time in weeks had a serene, relaxing night of dreamless sleep, un-plagued by worries of the devolving world.
The moment the sun came up Longshanks' eyes snapped open and his head immediately shot upward to scan the area, it was his body's natural reaction upon awakening now. He breathed a deep sigh of relief and contentment when he remembered he was actually in a safe, comfortable bed and he fell back onto it.
Finally get to spend some time in a nice place and I can't even sleep in. Oh well, things are only going to get harder than ever from here, but no task could be more honorable or important. He doubted any of the others were as used to waking early as him so he probably had a little time, but there was something much more important on his mind than a little bit more sleep.
I must reek, and after more than a week of having to hide in small concealed places I can't even smell it anymore. This is Hyrule castle, even these guest rooms probably have personal bathing chambers!
It didn't take long to find the adjoined room with it's slick tiles, and since there was no way bathrooms could really help with the war effort it was almost completely intact. He didn't notice any other doorways but he still hoped none of the other rooms shared this one. He needed this however, and even if someone else did show up he wasn't going to get out just to spare them his nudity or himself the embarrassment. He gathered up some wood in the small alcove under the bath and lit the pile with a novice-woodsman's expertise (Doesn't take long to become an expert on starting a fire) and when the water was pleasantly warm, threw in his jerkin and pants before plopping in himself. After a while of relaxing and soaking Devon took the roughest brush he could find and scrubbed the leather of his jerkin as vigorously as he could and, when satisfied it was as clean as it was going to get he finally stepped out, dried himself off and redressed.
Finally feeling free of grime for the first time in and for quite a while, Devon put his hair in a small pony tail to keep it neat until it fully dried and made his way to everyone's gathering spot to listen to Zelda's inspiring speech and explanation. His face became a bit more grim during the King's briefing and when Navi told them how they would be teleported he was surprised to see the blond girl step on the pad even before he did, she sounded like she wasn't very confident. He steeled himself and made one last bow to the King and the Princess. "My Liege and Lady, I have always been and always will be you're loyal subject. Whatever I or anyone else here may seem like I trust yours and the maidens' judgement, we
will gather the Sage Medallions and return, whatever it takes. And..." At this his voice faltered for practically the first time in his life. "Thank you for giving me a chance to rise above... well where and whom I came from." He stepped onto the pad waited for the light to take him to their first destination.