Late summer showed its face all around. A chill breeze reverberated constantly, and the sunlight descended into a lack of use. Still, all was clear, and it seemed perfect flying weather.

Instead, Patisse hesitated before the doors. Royalty, legends, potential enemies—all laid beyond them. He shuddered, but staying outside would be far, far worse than going in. Open they creaked, encouraged by the guards.

All eyes found their way to him. With a sweeping motion, Patisse strode into the room and accredited a deep bow, looking fairly composed from the outside.

"Your majesty," he said simply.

King Rhoam of the Hylians was quite the sight for anyone; he led his people strongly and well, and demanded respect with presence alone. While it was far from truth, many could say he was essentially the monarch for all of Hyrule. His deeds were proof above all else, and anyone who was to be addressed by the king was to feel honored.

"Ah. Patisse of the Rito." I suppose I'm honored now. "I see you have made it safely. I am glad your people have finally thought to appoint a diplomat. It is good to take joy in these little things, with the growing threat of the Calamity looming."

"Thank you, sir."

"I beg your pardon," interjected a new voice, filled with incredulity, one that he had both anticipated and dreaded hearing. "What is the meaning of this?"

Revali was just as he had been described. Awe-inspiring; of course, any Rito would look up to him in some sense. Majestic; with sharp green eyes and a powerful stance. And of course, a snobby self-loving jerk; his heartlessness was just as renowned as his heroism, though few could say such to his face.

Patisse, by comparison, was both figuratively and literally more reserved. He had rather generic brown feathers, a type of light chocolate or pecan color to be exact, but this was accented by crimson highlights he thought to be quite stylistic. His eyes supposedly sparkled yellow, almost as though they were gold; they were surrounded by paler tan feathers that almost looked like goggles, set above his low, short but sharp beak. He stood impressively tall, even for his own kind—greater a height than Revali, perhaps almost matching the towering Daruk, let alone anyone else in the room. This was no doubt a result of gigantism, though it wasn't diagnosed, or perhaps it was his resemblance to a gyrfalcon in all but coloration (considering all Rito shared traits of their lesser avian cousins, like Kaneli to an owl and Revali to a pheasant-esque appearance). A bird-creature needed little for clothing other than the public decency necessities, not to mention his size made tailors' jobs harder, but he'd taken a liking to wearing the occasional vest, jacket, or similar unsealed garment on top of everything. It wasn't a common Rito style, but it worked. Today, the chest piece was flaming orange, complementing his highlight feathers. No jewelry or adornments, ever; it was always so much of a hassle.

But to think, he'd made it all the way to the castle. It seemed so sudden, as he'd hardly been in any lower rankings before being promoted to the position. Back home, he had first found work in the night shift at the Snowy Feathers general store, and led a simple life with no significant other as of yet. That is, it was simple until now.

Pat had been raised under the chief principle that all life was a beautiful thing, and none of it should intentionally come to harm through you unless in defense. As such, it made him perfect for anything that wasn't war. He carried himself well enough, but was anything but arrogant or boastful. After all, the Rito did not have very many titles or accomplishments upon his belt, nor was he the most skilled of fighters, but he was known for having a benevolent disposition—as well as secretly being a rivaling crack shot. Perhaps this peacekeeping and friendly presence was why the village elder had chosen him for this rather under the rug mission: to keep the Champion from starting war.

Revali by nature was easily the most abrasive and argumentative of the pilots, far from fitting of a diplomat. He constantly challenged authority, and ignored the concept of a team almost entirely. Young Kaneli's father Genoll feared that this brash behavior would cause trouble with the other races or people like the royal family. After all, if the relations were to fall into disarray, the Calamity could strike them unprepared.

So the solution, apparently, was simple. Send another Rito to prove to all that Revali's actions were not indicative of the entire tribe. —Phew! That's a lot to think about. Wait...

The Champion's question had still gone unanswered.

"Revali, this is Patissa—I'm sorry, Pah-TEA-suh, right?" Impa commented warmly, to which he nodded. He'd met the Sheikah a few times before, doing some trading by Kakariko. Pat was naturally talented at making friends, and they'd shared a few experiences before she revealed she was actually a royal advisor. "He's going to be here to help out!—More or less...Something about diplomacy and relations, I think?"

"Correct," the bird returned with a polite and familial wave to the Champions, who returned similar pleasant expressions (mostly). "It is an honor. Genoll mentioned something about updating some peace terms and striking a few deals also. I'm a chargé, but there was talk of advancement to ambassador.—By the way, you may just call me Pat, if it makes things easier."

Before anything could continue or someone could say something more, Patisse was suddenly rushed. A strange, egg-shaped mechanism appeared, making a variety of whistling sounds. Link, the Hylian Champion chosen by the Master Sword who was quite a legend in himself to see, attempted to grab it, but it seemed fast and slippery. It leaped into Patisse's wings rather aggressively, and he was prepared to hurl it away—but it didn't act after that. The tiny white machine instead sat in his clutches, making more peculiar, almost friendly, noises.

"Oh my," the Princess Zelda exclaimed with a giggle, in an unnatural tone that was quite casual. "It seems the miniature Guardian quite likes you." So that's what it is... The object was odd to be sure, but it had a cute sense of appeal. Sentient apparently as well. Why would it find fondness for him?

The 'egg' jiggled about around him in a display that was almost humorous, and the Rito almost forgot to be formal.

"Goodness. Aren't you quirky?" He released a soft chuckle, and comedically did a little mimic of the small Guradian's actions, using his own whistles. This earned a smatter of laughter from the others, even more so as the egg reacted with outrage of his mockery. After all, only someone entirely heartless would not find a way to be a bit jovial in response to such antics—

"Zelda."

Everyone froze. The line was delivered with quite an admonishing tone, yet also laced with disappointment. The group waited, not daring to speak over or further offend the king.

For a moment, it seemed the royals were practically speaking within their minds, sharing looks. The tension was palpable, and Pat suddenly began to regret his decision to leap into politics. Finally, the princess gave in, with a simple "yes, father". What this meant, he did not know, but the welcoming atmosphere had quickly drained.

King Rhoam drew in a long, deep breath, which somewhat rattled and shook with age.

"Patisse, you will get settled in. We may begin discussions with the other ambassadors tomorrow. The rest of you, resume your drills and training as normal. Zelda, do as we discussed." The princess looked down at her feet, and gave no response. Now it really seems like they have telepathy.

With not much further, they were awkwardly dismissed. The guards pointed the Rito to a hall, which led to guest lodging in a far off, separate wing. Now feeling a bit guilty for acting so inappropriate, Patisse meandered along, admiring Hyrule Castle. He'd dreamed of being within these walls, and here they were...but it felt tainted somehow. Like something was looming far beneath.

As he walked, wingbeats made their presence known. Oh great.

"Listen up," Revali demanded in what was most likely the fiercest voice he could muster, though this somewhat failed with his short stature. He had to fly up to meet Pat's eye level. They stared at each other, one in disdain and the other patiently waiting. "I don't know just what you're planning, waltzing in here, but it's never going to work. I am the great Rito Champion Revali, and no one is going to usurp me. Not with smiles and charm, or fighting skills, or ravishing good looks—because none of those are things that you have. Are we clear?" Pat nodded, calm and undeterred as a lazy river, which knowing Revali would sting him immensely.

"Of course. I propose we just both do our jobs."

"Y-yeah. You better," the archer responded before flying off through the path to the balcony, caught off guard by the lack of either intimidation or anger.

The bird remaining in the hall rubbed his temple, exasperated. Still, he's the reason I'm here. Revali's prick status is my job security. What a world...

"Ay, Pat!" Interjected a new, gravelly, thundering yet friendly voice. Hoo boy. And today keeps getting more interesting.

Daruk's giant and beefy rock hand came down on his shoulder, which was possible considering their alike height. The Goron was probably unused to not towering over new friends, but that didn't stop him from maintaining his reputation as the most hospitable Champion. "You'll have to forgive ol' Revali there. Worked reeeeeeal hard to get where he is, and isn't looking to lose that respect anytime soon. Though, I guess you could probably tell that. Hope it hasn't, well, sullied your view of our little operation here." Pat smiled with a minor chuckle.

"By no means, Daruk. Not at all. You all are great people, it just lies under the surface sometimes. Besides, if there wasn't conflict I'd be out of a job!" The rock-man's chortle was a hearty sound that radiated both powerful and fatherly energies.

"Ohh...You're a nice fella, Pat. You'll fit right in! When you get the chance, say hi to Topado; he's the Goron ambassador. We were buds growin' up."

"Will do. —Take care." He waved as they went separate directions, glad that there was at least someone else who wasn't a big formality fanatic.

Patisse finally found his gentle steps to stop at the end of the hall with various doors. There was a gentle air about the castle, as though it were a very slow-going day...despite tragedy lurking around the corner. The Rito delicately creaked open the door, somewhat having to duck under to get through to what would likely be his lodging for the next half a year or so, taking the time to shed the few belonging-filled satchels strapped along him.

Oh. Oh wow.

In all honesty, Pat had not been expecting the Hylians or the monarchy to do anything special with the room. At most, a small dorm or little closet space would have been great, but it seemed they had cut no corners.

It wasn't massive, but still far larger than he was accustomed to. Clearly, though the builders likely had little indication as to Rito preferences, it had been made with that sort of intent, using a lot of wood thatch and feathery designs. Evidently, it was made to be as close to home as possible. Such key features included thinner walls and less amenities to make it feel colder, and a wide, open window which let in the elements and led to a balcony made entirely of perches. Someone of higher dignity would likely have been irate to find such a shoddy and crude attempt given on their culture, but Pat was just grateful they had at least tried. Perhaps my only complaint...is that the bed is too small.

With a warm and contented sigh, he set his things off to the side to unpack later and crashed onto the actually incredibly fluffy mattress, having to kind of curl and crane to avoid hitting his head into the wall. Aaaahhh...here we are. New adventures! —And though they may boil down to political discussion, I'll gladly take something of interest.

Softly, Patisse settled in, awaiting whatever events may follow.

I know, I know. Exposition dump, right? That's kind of how I roll. Either way, I hope you're interested. A lot of thought went into this, despite how it looks, and though it's nothing compared to the larger stories out there, I'll try my best. Thanks for stopping by!