Inside the house/palace was even more ornate and ostentatious than the Chain were expecting: high vaulted painted ceilings with low hanging crystal chandeliers and a massive gold and marble fountain featuring a very stylized little bird at its center encrusted in jewels surrounded by loving embrace of the Golden Goddesses. Its small blue and white body sparkled in the warm welcoming light.
Legend eyed it as they passed it and stopped briefly to consider it. "Is…that..?"
"Sheerow.. yes." Ravio looked fondly upon the towering fountain, and knelt, touching the edge of the large sparkling pool before them with a tender hand. His eyes misted over. "I miss him very much..." He sighed sadly "We lost him in the War of '33. He died a hero defending the Keep. Shot down while trying to deliver a message to allied forces. May the Three protect his spirit…" He stood again and straightened his tie once more. "Shall we continue to your rooms gentleman?"
The 'rooms' were essentially the entire east wing of the house. Rooms upon rooms with large sumptuous, canopied beds of deep fluffy down and purple silks, cheery fireplaces that crackled with warmth, and long dark tapestried detailing the history of Ravio's beloved home country. Each man took one to their liking in a tidy row down one hallway on the third floor that overlooked a garden maze and a large backlit pool and hot tub below. An odd menagerie of peacocks and other wild birds wandered and rested about the gardens at a pleasant distance and added an additional splash of color to the gloom of deep night.
Legend had to admit the man had taste…and his loyalty to and obvious fondness of Lorule; modern amenities aside, this place could have been torn directly from the castle keep itself. He removed his boots and inspected the large marble tub in the bathroom and tried to figure out how to turn it 'on' for a bath a series of buttons on the wall above it glowed softly. He pressed one and the tub began to fill with steaming hot water. Feeling quite pleased with himself he decided to explore the rest of the room while the generous tub filled to his liking. Next to the fireplace was a comfortable chaise lounge with a small table next to it with books on it. He picked one up and was disappointed but not surprised to see that it was in a language that he did not know. He set it back down and was inspecting a tapestry when a soft knock at the door made him jump. He went to answer it.
"Hi," came Hyrule's soft voice from the doorway when Legend opened it.
"Hey 'Rule. What's up?" Legend said surprised to see his companion still awake.
Hyrule smiled ruefully, "I'm sorry, I just saw the light still on under your door so I figured you were probably still awake too. I can't sleep.. The room is too..too.." He gestured vaguely with his hand trying to find words.
Legend arched an eyebrow. "Over the top?" he ventured a guess.
"Big.." Finished Hyrule finally. "I know personal space is a rare luxury for us these days but.. I was wondering if I might crash in here? I promise I won't be in the way...I just.."
"Sure." Said legend with a small smile. "I get it.. I've never understood that weird royal inclination for such cavernous spaces either. Come on in." His friend smiled gratefully and stepped inside.
Hyrule made himself comfortable on the chaise and watched the fireplace in quiet contemplation while Legend went to go enjoy his bath.
It was glorious.. unbeknownst to him a recirculating filter kept the water temperature steady while he lounged. He let the stresses of the day(…week?... Months?) of hard travel and even harder fighting melt away. He washed his hair and whole body taking full advantage of the variety of mysterious potions and bottles of fragrant soaps at his disposal. Twice he dozed off in the tub only to wake up still warm and decide to stay a little longer. Once he was finally ready to get out his fingers and toes were pruned as he had only seen them when using the mermaid suit. He dried himself on the softest fluffiest towel he had ever touched and when he was finished slipped into a silk robe that was provided hanging on a hook next to the tub for (he presumed) the guests staying in this particular room…meaning tonight: him. When He returned to the room he was about to recommend that Hyrule take a dip as well which would perhaps help his friend relax enough to sleep too. But when he approached the chaise he saw that his friend was already passed out cold.
Legend chuckled quietly and as quietly as possible dragged a thick velvety blanket from the bed and ever so gently draped it over his sleeping friend's form.
"Good night, my brother.." Legend said fondly before retiring to the huge four-poster bed that had been designated as his. As soon as he slipped between the icy-cool silken sheets he was in heaven.. so soft, so comfy.. within minutes he too was out like a light.