This was once a safe haven for hunters. A workshop where hunters used blood to enhance their weapons and flesh. We don't have as many tools as we once did, but... You're welcome to use whatever you find

"Again." Aria heard the cold voice of her new master cut through her pounding ears. She spat out a bloody wad of spit as she rose to her feet, readjusting her blindfold. Her blindness was not a barrier, her master told her, but a boon. The enhancement of one's other senses made up for the loss of one. The lack of sight was a common trait for the Hunters of the workshop, or so was said.

She heard him ready his blade, and she charged. Swinging the axe she was given, she made a great effort to cut him, to strike him as instructed. Twas all for naught, as she heard him effortlessly side step her blows, only to deliver a mighty gutshot to her. She felt bile build up in her throat, and she fell to the ground, hacking and choking out her vomit.

"You commit too much offense." Idris's voice sailed over the vile noises."No mind for evasion, you must make sure not to let your bloodlust control you."

"Y-yeah, and you need to pull your punches" Aria weezed out, wiping her mouth. She pawed for her Hunter's axe, and felt it's warm metal handle upon her palm. She forced herself up, leaning on the weapon to provide support. "Admit it. I'm shit right now. Can't even hit you once."

Idris sheathed his new longsword, given to him by the Hylian King in an act of ceremony. The blade was simple, by request. Why have an ornate blade at all, when steel was all it needed? Luxuries like studded rubies, gold leafed scabbards, and cotton handles were oh so gouache, not what a proper Hunter needed or wanted. No, a simple longsword would do, straight out of the forge.

"You have improved Aria, your stamina has risen from before, and now you get up from most of my blows. Be proud of your achievements." He patted her shoulder. She lit up a little. "You still have much to learn, but I can see the making of a proper Hunter in you yet."

"Yeah…ok."

"Go, rest. We shall continue with mental disciplines soon." Idris took his hand off her shoulder, allowing her to grab her cane. Provided by him after her acceptance, it would allow her to move throughout the castle. As he watched her walk away, cane tip tip tapping everything, he felt the eyes above him continue to watch. He paid it no mind, eager observers wishing to see how a Hunter trained. But oh were they ever so loud in their whispers.

"He's too rough, poor girl." The chieftess was not one for subtleties, despite all of her grace.

"The savage wishes to brutalize her. Bastard." The Rito was not even trying to be quiet.

"Hey, maybe it's cultural? He's a foreigner after all." At least the Goron had some semblance of tact, despite him literally eating rocks.

Idris ignored the gossiping champions above him on the rafters, they knew not what they spoke of. His training of Aria was a kindness as far as he saw it, a blessing. He never received anything like this when he began his hunt. Being thrown to the metaphorical and literal wolves would force anyone to adapt quickly, brutally, to the horrid circumstances one found themselves in.

He walked away, out of the training yard given to him by the king, and towards his new office. According to his royal majesty, one could not be an agent of the crown without a workstation to themselves, a private recluse to work on paperwork and official duties. Idris loathed the paperwork, he would need a secretary at some point. He ignored the shry whispers and poisoned barbs behind his back from the nobles he passed by. He was far from the most popular figure in the royal court, despite being the newest addition. When nobles tried to curry his favor with lavish gifts and conversation, they were swiftly rejected. When young upstarts tried to boast to him, to gain a squireship, they were removed from his office by Aria herself, who proved her strength to them by lifting them by the ears.

He hated the nobility, oh so much. They were pissants, all of them.

Entering his quarters, he sat down upon his desk only to be greeted by a few dozens piles of parchments and letters, all demanding his attention. He glared at them, intent on burning them down to ashes through sheer force of will.

Damn things couldn't even be set on fire rightly. Damn paperwork.

He did not wish to deal with this right now, he would only take a look at one of them, an invitation from the looks of it. His knife sliced through the lip of the envelope like butter, and he removed the written work.

To whom it may concern

Thou have been invited to the 15th annual celebration of the founding of Sir Chudney's emporium, the highest of mercantile positions and vendors, occurring upon the 15th of the month.

As times brighten from the fall of the calamity, we must be vigilant towards the future. Let this celebration serve as a distraction from all the worries of life, and shall we come together in merry.

Failure to attend will result in blacklisting from any of my shops

Toodleoo

Chudney Von Malovan, First of his name

The damn baron was blackmailing him. Blackmailing all who received this letter. Idris knew of the shop baron, he had a monopoly on leather goods and mining across the kingdom. Valuable and needed resources for Idris. Without them, he would have nothing to arm his hunters! Damn him!

Idris sighed, rubbing his eyes. He hated parties, but this was unavoidable. The Baron most likely wanted to meet him one on one, see the newest agent of the crown with his own eyes. FInd someone to control the Hunter.

He would not allow this. If he must attend the party, then so be it. But he would not be manipulated like this.

Idris checked the date on his calendar, twas the 14th. Tomorrow then. He could prepare then. With a plan beginning to form in his mind, the hunter stood up. Tonight, he would scheme and plot, but right now, he had an apprentice to train, and a girl to visit in the kitchens.

XXX

"Mr Hunter!" Ruto cried out as she jogged towards the Hunter. The young girl had been given a position in the kitchens as a helper for the chef, a one Miss Treeble, a fellow Zora who had taken in the girl.

"Hello Ruto." Idris replied as he felt the little girl collide into his legs, embracing them in a large hug. "How have you been?"

"I'm great Mr. Hunter!" Ruto gave a big smile, though a sadness still lingered in her eyes. "Miss Treeble is really smart and nice, and she's been teaching me how to cook and I was able to make this big pastry today!"

"How nice, was it good?"

"It was amazing! I put in so much chocolate!" She giggled as he patted her head. Idris looked towards the aforementioned cook, who looked at him with an expecting glare.

"Ruto, why don't you run along now, me and Mr. Hunter here need to talk." Treeble said, to the girls dismay.

"Awww…"

"Don't worry young Ruto, I will see you soon. Perhaps you can share your pastry with me?"

"Really Mr. Hunter? That sounds wonderful!" Ruto shined before she took her leave, most likely to prank the other children around the castle, for she had developed a taste for practical jokes and whatnot.

The Hunter looked towards the cook, who looked towards him. "Is she…well?"

"The nightmares are still there, but she'll be ok." Treeble sighed, holding her head in her hand. "More so worried that she'll try and take after you."

"I beg your pardon?"

"She's asking 'bout you, askin how to fight like you. She's but a child I won't allow it. I won't let you take her and ruin that innocence she has." Treeble glared. "I know what you are."

"And what am I, wise woman?"

"A cold blooded killer. A demon. A monster."

Idris remained silent, but gave a small chuckle. Seeing her confusion, he regarded Miss Treeble. "You have nothing to worry about, Wise Woman. I have no intentions of teaching her anything at this age. She is but a child, and deserves to be one."

"And when she grows up? You'll take her then?"

"If she desires to, if she wants to." He sighed. "You are right, I am a cold blooded killer, a monster. But I do not harm children. Not now, not ever." Idris looked upon his gloved hand, a disgusting appendage, soaked in blood that only he could see. "She has gone through something no one deserves but the most wicked beasts, and she must heal."

He turned, and took his leave, leaving the cook alone. She muttered to herself a simple prayer to Hylia herself, for the safety of Ruto, and her protection from the beast she oh so admired.

Short I know, but trying to get back into the groove of writing for myself.