Everyone else can do something. Not me. Years of hard work – reading, praying and travelling Hyrule – with no results; the springs remained silent in Zelda's hour of need and others looked to her for hope and answers. A brave face hid a sense of uselessness from the world. Only in moments alone could she let out the pressure. Even the Champions, who she had grown to trust and enjoy the company of over the course of their quest, couldn't be witnesses.

Beneath an apple tree, too far from the camp for concerned eyes and ears to notice, the blonde sat, face buried into arms crossed atop both knees pressed against her chest. It did little to muffle the sobs. Upon reaching that point of being unable to cry any longer, she would rise, dust herself off and focus on recovering her dignity, then return to the others and claim the reason for leaving was merely to collect apples or flowers – both of which she made a mental note to collect, giving credibility to the lie.

The Rito's approach was silent, soft steps through the surrounding grass, and it astonished him to observe the sight ahead. Perhaps I should leave. It seemed intrusive to remain. Yet the male couldn't force his feet to move. Emerald optics simply continued watching, chest tightening and heart aching from the excruciating sound.

The scene was familiar, albeit with swapped roles and nobody around to ever see him in such a state. In that way alone, the girl could be considered lucky, although he abhorred considering it as such. The role she had to fulfil appeared impossible, along with shouldering all the pressure brought with it.

Revali never gave inspirational speeches or pep talks, yet thought maybe he could express the empathy she so sorely required. His confidence elsewhere might have been a cover-up for true feelings, but he here felt truly capable. "Princess?"

Startled by the noise, Zelda raised her head. For a split-second, she stared into his face, then remembered the tears rolling down her cheeks and turned away in a pathetic effort to hide, discreetly wiping her countenance. It's too late. He's seen me.

You're still pretending to be strong and that nothing is wrong. I know what that's like. I've done enough of that to last several lifetimes. "Please don't hide," the avian whispered.

"Why not? Why shouldn't I, the way everyone else does?" Quickly enough, rage replaced sadness and she swung around to stare his way, eyes glowing a fierce turquoise. "The way you do."

"Because you are stronger than everybody else. Stronger than me."

"You mean because of the supposed Goddess blood flowing through my veins…the power I cannot activate."

The blue male remained calm. "Strength is more than brute force or magical prowess and bravery is not mere sacrifice for the greater good. You know this." He advanced until stood directly before her. "And you are strong and brave." Lowering onto a knee, he raised a finger and pointed it at her chest. She followed the movement, before looking back up at him in silent question. "Not many people have your heart. And that is where you get your power."

The blonde blinked, anger dissolving into relief. Revali moved his arm, intending to return it to his side, but she firmly grasped it at lightning speed with both hands. A gasp broke free from the male's beak and gaze lowered. He wanted to demand release, although struggled to find the words, not even attempting to pull away – convincing himself it would be useless…or was that an excuse to remain in this position?

"I wish to ask you something." Zelda cursed her breaking voice, yet nothing could be done about that.

"What is it?" He swallowed hard, unable to stop his heart from skipping a beat.

"You are never unguarded around anyone else. Why me?" A tilt of the head. "Of all people, why me?"

The Rito tapped the tip of his bill with a feathered finger and gave his next words some consideration. "If I may be allowed to answer your question with a question? Why do you think I'm here?"

"Because you are a Champion." The response came simply, accompanied by immediate regret about how it must have sounded. Fortunately, he smiled, yet she still felt certain about insulting the male.

"I'm here because you asked for me. I follow you, not His Majesty or the village Elder or even the people of Hyrule. I am here because I believe in you. As a person, not Goddess incarnate."

"You…you mean that?"

"Yes. I told you that you are stronger than me."

The Princess gave a tilt of the head, a curious smirk lifting her lips. "You never answered my question."

"Which one?" He was deliberately obtuse.

A golden eyebrow quirked. "Why are you unguarded around me? Only me?"

Revali leant closer, his stare piercing what felt to the girl like her very soul. The latter's inside's melted and body struggled to not run back to camp. Somehow, for his sake, she remained sat in place and maintained eye contact, cheeks colouring.

"Zelda…" he murmured, in a voice belonging to someone else – certainly not the typical, brash and flamboyant turn of phrase she had become accustomed to and found rather amusing. "You let me see your tears. I believe that deserves a little vulnerability on my part, mmm?"

She laughed then, tired and nervous, but better than the misery or rage displayed earlier. "Thank you."

"I'm glad you're smiling again." The Rito offered a bright expression of his own, yet there was clear sorrow just below the surface. "I will keep watching over you and defend Hyrule with my talents and Vah Medoh under my control. That much I can promise."

She nodded, then determinedly rose to her feet with little help, releasing his wing at last and focusing on brushing dirt off her form. A clear of the throat. "The others are probably wondering where I am…er…where we are…"

Without a word, he hopped up the tree, as much as bird as his appearance suggested, and shook free several apples from the branches. With a surprised squeak, she attempted to catch several, with some success. Most ended up in the long grass. Together, they gathered as many as they could carry.

"Ready?" he enquired.

"Ready."

The pair leisurely wandered from the area and back towards the camp. A great deal of pressure had faded from Zelda, or at least been a welcome distraction. Perhaps I should share more with my comrades…my friends. I would like more days like this. More distractions. And speaking of distractions…

She couldn't stop thinking about Revali's mysterious reply to her query. I feel that wasn't the whole story. However, he seemed unlikely to reveal anything without a push. Maybe this could be a side quest? When able to take time away from her duty and wish of other things, she could give the avian a gentle prod and get to know him better.

A smile broke out on the blonde's face, one she attempted to hide beneath the mass of fruit in her arms. Sounds like a good, challenging hobby.