It was two more long, restless days before the storm cleared enough for Mara to deem it safe enough for the pair to continue on their way. Her excuse was that if the storm was bad over Hebra, it would likely be covering Rito Village as well. Zelda knew better than to try and argue with her, so they used that time to work on regaining Link's strength. By the time the winds calmed, he was able to swing the Master Sword again, though it caused pain across where the scar was tightest. When Zelda handed him a bow, his face changed as he attempted to draw back the bowstring.
"No. I can't. Not yet," he grunted through gritted teeth, dropping the weapon to the floor with a clatter.
"The fact you can use the sword again is great progress though," Zelda assured him. "Don't fret over the bow. It'll come back in time."
"I know. But it solidifies what I told you a couple days ago. You're going to be the one to have to take out the wolves, Zelda." Link glanced at her. "I know you can do it."
She took a deep breath. "If that's what it takes, then I will do it."
"You kids all packed and ready to move on?" Mara asked, with her husband right behind her. "I've got some food supplies for you, including some raw meat. You mentioned wolves, and what better to bribe a wild animal right where you want it than with food." She handed the package of prepared food, then raw materials to Link to tuck carefully into the pack. "Oh, and you won't be getting far without these."
"Without what?" Zelda asked, looking up from her final bag check. "Oh! The replacement warm clothes for Link."
"Precisely. Had them make the same size. The fellow at the shop in Rito Village remembered you, and still had your measurements from last time. Consider that payment for killing that awful brute for us," Mara's husband, Bryne added as he handed the stack of folded cloth to the Champion.
"And anytime you're coming back up to the Hebra region, our doors are always open to you. It's been a pleasure to have you with us, despite the circumstances. In case we don't see you again before you depart, may the Goddess Hylia protect and guide you." Mara offered the blessing over them.
"And also with you," Zelda replied, giving the woman a tight hug. "We are truly in your debt."
"Not at all, Princess. Think nothing of it. Go, and bring peace back to Hyrule." Mara and Bryne gave them each a gentle hug and left the room.
Link took the clothing and stepped into the washroom. Changing pants and boots took longer than expected, but the help Zelda offered with the tunic was much appreciated. One final sweep of the room, and he shouldered the pack on his good side. "Ready?" he asked.
Zelda pulled the hood up on her cloak and slipped her arm around his waist. "Now I'm ready."
The Sheikah Slate came out of its holder for the first time in a few days with Link selecting the shrine in the heart of Rito Village. "Now we get to see if this will affect me while I'm healing or not."
"I doubt it will," Zelda was optimistic, even as she felt her stomach knot when the familiar feeling of the runes spiraling up their legs began.
The magical transport took very little time, just like usual. Snow fell in soft, light flakes around them when they arrived on the travel gate. Zelda wobbled, but her knees didn't give out. The nausea settled out within a few seconds, leaving her to check on Link.
The Champion was not so fortunate, doubled over, which in turn magnified the scar's pain. "I'm sorry," he gasped. "The slight sickness I usually get is far worse now."
"Don't be sorry. You've had more than your fair share of times being there for me while I'm hurting and pushing through things." she assured him.
"Don't worry about me." His eyes clenched tightly closed. "It won't last long."
She took his head in both of her hands and kissed his forehead. "May the Goddess bring peace and restoration to your body," she whispered. "Healing, balance, and strength are mine, and I ask they be granted to you."
Link's breathing relaxed, and he inhaled her soft scent that he only noticed due to her closeness. Soap and a light floral essence unique to the princess calmed him as the blessing prayed over him took effect. Now that he thought about it… it reminded him of a blossom only grown in the wild. The Silent Princess. A rather fitting comparison when it came down to it.
Zelda kept her forehead pressed against his, listening to his breathing calm down again. Her own heart was pounding from the closeness, but she ignored it. They had a mission to complete. Now was not the time for distractions.
His eyes fluttered open, and he reluctantly straightened. "Thank you. I'm better now."
She nodded. "Good. Who are we supposed to see here?"
Fi appeared beside them. "Rito Village is overseen by an elder called Kaneli. He resides at the top of the Village. He will detail the precise details of what must be done to restore peace."
"But we already know it's wolves that have been killing the fledglings who don't have the strength to flee out of their reach," Zelda pointed out. "I suppose hearing the details would be wise, regardless of how painful they will be."
Link nodded. "Let's go then. I remember where to find him. It's not far from the shrine." He began walking that direction, allowing Zelda to follow with Fi down the narrow wooden pathway that connected the shrine with the rest of Rito Village.
"Fi, do you know how long it'll take Link to fully recover?" Zelda asked before the spirit could leave again.
"My calculations estimate that he should be fit to use a bow again within a week. A full recovery without pain will take longer," the spirit replied. "He shows vast improvement from his initial injuries. There will be no long term effects on his health and wellbeing. He will remain strong and virile."
Zelda blushed, trying not to think about the implications of the spirit's words.
Link pretended not to hear what was being said, though the tips of his ears turned red in embarrassment. That wasn't something he particularly wanted to discuss with the spirit, and he wasn't ready to do so with the princess either. The change in their relationship was too recent to consider anything of the sort.
"My calculations have determined that despite currently being underweight, the princess is capable of bearing multiple children to carry on the royal bloodline," Fi stated without prompting.
Zelda stopped in her tracks, covering her face in her hands. "We are not having this conversation, right now, in public!" she cried firmly.
Link turned and put his arm around her protectively. "It's okay. I know Fi is trying to help. But you're right. Now's not really the time to address that topic. We'll discuss it later."
"Very well, Master Link." Fi bowed her head and vanished.
"She has no filter or sense of timing," Link commented, smoothing her blonde hair. "It's not something we're going to talk about now though. You ready to see Kaneli?"
Zelda lifted her head, cheeks still stained a deep shade of red. "Yes, please. We need a distraction."
"I'm sorry she brought it up," Link said gently. "Do you need another minute?"
"No, let's not waste any time. It looks like the snow is going to fall heavier any moment." She shivered at the thought. "After Hebra, I'll be glad when we can leave the colder areas, at least for a time."
"You'll be wishing for it when we get to Death Mountain," Link pointed out.
"We'll worry about that when we get there. Please… let's just talk to Kaneli and go from there," Zelda pleaded, desperate to get a touch of space between her and the knight. Her heart was pounding, and despite the conversation they'd just had, all she could think about were Fi's words.
Link studied her for a few seconds, then gave a nod, taking her gently by the hand. "This way."
Unlike most of the Rito, Kaneli's appearance was more reminiscent of a wise old owl and less that of the more lean, elegant look the others they passed. The look suited him, however, and Zelda was not surprised when his voice matched the anticipated sound.
"Oh hoo! You've returned, Link. I feel that I should apologize," the village elder began, eyeing the pair. "When you were here last, I insisted upon calling you the 'Champion descendant' when in fact you ARE the same Champion that faced Ganon so many years ago."
"No apology needed. But I'm curious, how'd you come to that conclusion?" Link asked.
"You carry the darkness sealing sword the stories tell of. Not to mention, there's few young women who bear the fine features of royalty, and your lovely companion shows them all. Forgive me for not introducing myself sooner. I'm Kaneli, chief of the Rito. It's a pleasure to welcome you to our humble region."
Zelda smiled warmly. "The pleasure is all mine. And you are indeed correct. My name is Zelda, and I am the only child of the late King Rhoam Bosphoramus Hyrule."
"Hoo! The Princess herself! It is indeed a great honor to have you with us. When Vah Medoh took up roost atop the village, I had a feeling the time for fighting Ganon was near at hand. Master Link was the one to free Medoh from the Blight's grasp. Tell me, Champion, did Medoh aid in your fight against Calamity Ganon?" Kaneli asked.
"Yes, it did. All of the Divine Beasts were invaluable. I doubt the outcome would be the same if they hadn't," Link said soberly.
"None of that matters now, however. I'm just thankful that he was successful," Zelda added.
"Too true. What brings you to our area now? Surely there must be a reason for you to come so far from Central Hyrule." Kaneli looked expectantly at the couple.
"We were informed that there are wolves that have been targeting the fledglings. Can you tell us more about that, please?" Zelda inquired.
The elder was quiet for a moment. "Whomever spoke to you is correct. We've lost three fledglings already, two of them sisters. Teba's son has been missing since last night, and we fear he's been lost as well. We found…" he hesitated, trying to find the right words.
Link and Zelda exchanged glances, bracing themselves for what was to come.
"We found all that remained of them near a large cave by the path that leads up northwest into the Hebra Mountains. One of our scouts circled the area and reported seeing as many as four large wolves. Teba is the only one currently skilled enough with a bow and uninjured who could eliminate the threat, but he's been on a scouting mission deep in the northern reaches of Hebra and not expected to return for another two days."
"Is there anything that we can use to keep us out of reach of the wolves?" Zelda mused aloud.
"Well, there's a lookout perch not too far away," Kaneli commented slowly.
"Where is the perch located, exactly?" Link asked.
"There's a large tree that predates all others in the vicinity. The center of the trunk at the top has been hollowed out into a makeshift platform. It's just an arrow's shot away from the cave entrance."
"I see only one potential issue with that plan. How would Link and I gain access to this tree? We don't have the ability to fly. The closest thing we have is his glider," Zelda pointed out.
"A glider, you say? Well, if you take off from Vah Medoh's roost, I'm certain you'd be able to sail onto the tree without issue, especially as skilled as the Champion is," Kaneli said confidently.
Link glanced at Zelda. "We didn't think to test out the glider…" he trailed off.
"No, we didn't. But we don't have a lot of choice," Zelda sighed. "I'll give you the edible herb before we take off. As long as your grip holds, everything will work out."
"Forgive me, but is something the matter?" Kaneli asked, perplexed by the vague exchange.
"Link was injured fighting a Lynel near the Hebra stable, and he hasn't fully recovered yet," she explained.
"Hoo! My goodness. Are you certain you're up to this task? It could be quite dangerous," the elder cautioned them.
"No need to be concerned," Zelda attempted to sound fully sure of herself. "If we can take down Calamity Ganon, and a Lynel, I'm certain that we can handle several wolves."
Link's hand slipped into hers again, squeezing it reassuringly. "Is there a ladder up to Vah Medoh's roost from the village, by chance?"
"Not presently, but I'll have one of my woodworkers craft one for you immediately. It shouldn't take more than a couple of hours at most," Kaneli said. "Do you need anything else before you go?"
Zelda glanced at Link, who shook his head. "I don't think so," she replied for the two of them.
"Then I wish you well, and we'll inform you as soon as the ladder is completed," the elder promised.
"We'll be exploring the shops in the village while we wait," Link stated. "No doubt we'll be easy to spot."
Bowing their heads in respect, the Hylians took their leave. Zelda didn't let go of Link's hand, silently thankful for the gentle squeeze he gave it every few steps.
"Relax, please, Princess," he whispered. "I could feel you tense up from the moment he mentioned the glider."
"It was a detail I hadn't thought about at all," she replied quietly while they took the flights of stairs down to the lower levels.
"I know. But it's nothing to worry over. You don't need to make yourself sick," Link chided.
"I'm not," Zelda protested. "At least, I'm doing my best not to."
"You still have the edible herb, don't you? I assumed you had, but I didn't think to ask sooner."
"I do. Mara sent me with a supply of that, as well as two poultices. According to her, she said that you shouldn't need them for more than another day or two at the very most," Zelda explained. A sparkle caught her eye, and she stopped, turning her attention to the small market. "Oh, what lovely earrings."
Link's free hand slid into her hair, brushing it away from her earlobes. "You do have your ears pierced," he murmured.
She blushed, keeping her focus on the jewelry. "You never asked."
"It didn't cross my mind," he admitted. "We've had other… distractions since we faced Ganon.
"You can call it all that," she giggled softly, trying not to think about how close he was to her.
"Do you like the earrings?" Link asked, not taking his eyes off of her.
"They are rather lovely, yes," she whispered.
"Then I'll get them for you."
"No, Link, you don't have to do that," she protested. "I'm sure they're expensive and—"
"Please. Let me get you something that makes you smile," he said quietly.
Zelda swallowed back further protests. "If you're certain that you really wish to do that…"
"I'm purchasing them for you. Which ones?"
She silently gestured, and he finally turned to look at them. A skilled jeweler had managed to capture the likeness of a blooming Silent Princess in two silver dangle earrings, with a single diamond gemstone in the center of each. A larger matching necklace was displayed beside the earrings, though Link wasn't able to tell if she'd seen that yet.
"Wait here," he instructed, stepping into the shop.
Zelda felt awkward standing under the edge of the roof to avoid the softly falling snow, but he'd been insistent. She turned her back to the shop, watching the flakes gently fall and land on the railing of the stairs. Unlike the harsh winds and blizzard they'd avoided in Hebra, this was almost calming. A pang hit her chest when she realized that she wouldn't be able to enjoy watching the snow with her father like she did when she was younger. She wasn't sure how long she stood there, fighting back her emotions.
"I should've hoped that you'd be smiling, not frowning," Link commented from beside her. "What's wrong?"
"Just realizing that things I once enjoyed with my father… I won't be able to do so again." A tear rolled down her chilly face, threatening to freeze before she brushed it away.
"No, but you're not alone," he reminded her.
"I'm not," she agreed, turning to face him. "And I'm forever grateful to you for that."
His fingers went to thread into hers, but he stopped when he touched her palm and dug through her little bag. "You forgot your gloves."
"I didn't think about it," Zelda said, her cheeks deepening in their shade of red.
"What a pair we make," he joked weakly, slipping them onto her numb digits. "You forgetting your gloves and getting cold, and me forgetting to look all directions when facing a Lynel."
"Don't dwell on that, please." Her tone was low but serious. "I'm grateful you're alive, and that's all that matters to me."
"Champion, Princess," a deep-voiced Rito spoke from above them, startling the pair. "The ladder has been prepared. You may access it from in front of the Elder's home.
"Thank you," Link replied. "We'll head back up."
Zelda allowed her knight to guide them in the proper direction. "Link? Where did the earrings go?"
"I didn't think you'd want to risk losing them when we're out near the wolves, so I tucked them into your pack for wearing later," he explained.
"That's probably wise," she agreed. "What type of stones are in your earrings?"
On reflex, he touched the earrings with a gloved hand to discern their shape. "Oh, these are the earrings I was gifted in Gerudo Town during my first visit. One of their jewelers needed some of the flint I carried, and in exchange, she created these for me. They're made of topaz, I believe."
"They suit you," was all she said, keeping pace with him on the steps.
"Zelda. Are you nervous?"
She paused midstep. "Why would I be? We only have to glide from a great height, which you haven't done since your injury, land on a tree presumably surrounded by wolves, and then I have to be accurate enough with my bow to kill all of said wolves without assistance Why should that make me nervous?" Her words came faster as she spoke, giving away the fear she felt.
His arms wrapped around her waist, and he pulled her close to whisper in her ear. "Nothing is going to happen. We're going to make it through, and you're going to do wonderfully. Remember, I have faith in you, my princess."
"I'm glad someone does. I need that motivation to help keep me strong when I'm feeling anything but," Zelda murmured back.
A slightly choked cough came from behind them, causing the princess to flinch backwards out the embrace.
"I'm so sorry to interrupt, but Champion Link… please, you have to help me." A female Rito stood facing them. Lavender feathers across the top of her head matched the ones that ran down to her wingtips. Even those unfamiliar with the species could see that she'd been crying.
"Of course. What is it?" Link straightened, hiding the wince of pain at his back.
"I'm Saki, Teba's wife," she identified herself. "My son, Turin… he went out yesterday. He said he was going down by the stable to gather berries so I could make a tart before his father returned. But Turin never returned! I've flown everywhere looking for him, but there's no sign of him!"
Zelda reached her arm out to comfort the female Rito. "Don't panic. We'll do our best to find him."
"But what if it's already too late? Teba and I were only able to have the one chick…" Saki sobbed. "If he's—"
"Saki. Please. We will find him, one way or another." Link promised the distraught mother.
"You've seen him before. Please, I'm begging you! Bring my baby home." Saki buried her face in her wings.
Zelda looked helplessly at Link who shook his head softly. There was nothing more they could really say or do except follow through on the promise they'd just made.
"Let's go. Night will fall sooner than we care to admit, and I don't think it's wise for us to be near wolves at twilight," Link urged.
The princess wrapped Saki in a tight hug. "We'll bring Turin back. Please, try and rest if you can. We'll return as soon as we are able."
"Thank you," the Rito hiccuped softly. "With the other fledglings passing this week… I couldn't bear it if… if…"
"Keep hope alive, Saki. I have faith in the Goddess Hylia that you'll be reunited with your husband and your son shortly," Zelda said.
Link offered an arm to the princess, which she took. She couldn't help but look over her shoulder at the weeping mother while they climbed the remaining flight of stairs to the ladder.
"I wish there was more that we could do," Zelda murmured. "She's brokenhearted and convinced that she'll never see her son again."
"We need to prove her wrong. In short, we'll need a miracle. Because a night alone out in the cold and the snow, with the threat of wolves?" Link shook his head. "It'll be nothing short of the workings of the Goddess herself."
"Don't underestimate her," Zelda cautioned.
"I'm not. I'm just stating what I'm surprised Fi hasn't appeared to say," Link corrected.
"Master Link, the chances of survival for a young fledgling in snowy conditions—" Fi began.
Link's comment to Zelda drowned out the rest of the sentence. "Maybe I shouldn't have said anything,"
The princess giggled into her gloved hand. "Well, you did speak her name. I would say that qualifies as calling for her."
"Master Link? Do you not require me at this time?" Fi asked.
"Not right now, no," Link agreed. "But I thank you for the calculations."
"It is my duty to serve my master." The spirit stated, disappearing as quickly as she appeared.
Link stopped in front of the ladder. "Ladies first," he instructed.
Zelda took a deep breath as she grasped the rungs with her gloved hands and began the climb. It wasn't as long as the one at Kara Kara Bazaar, and for that, she was thankful. She could feel the slight shake below as Link followed suit, an occasional grunt of pain escaping his lips.
"Ladders aren't exactly pleasant right now either," Link grumbled, climbing the final couple rungs.
"Here. Take the edible herb then. You'll need it," she offered him a handful of it, tucking the rest into a pouch on her waist.
He pulled out the glider, giving a shiver. "The wind chill here is rather… unpleasant."
"The only protection from the wind is Vah Medoh's feet," she pointed out. "And those hardly offer much to speak of."
"True." He pulled out the Sheikah Slate to gain his bearings on direction. "North, northeast is where we need to go."
She turned to where he was pointing. From where they stood, the tree was little more than a small twig covered in a light dusting of snow. "That's where we're supposed to land?"
"Yes. It'll be larger when we get there."
"I'm certain it'll have to be," she mumbled under her breath. "Are you ready?"
"As I'm going to be." He shoved the herb in his mouth and began chewing. His gloves tightly gripped the glider, waiting while she stepped in front of him, her back mere inches in front of his.
"Goddess, please protect us both... On three. Ready?" she asked, waiting to see his nod out of the corner of her eye. "One… two… three…"
Her feet left the ground, taking the leap of faith that would lead them down to facing the wolves. Was she mentally prepared? Not entirely. But is one ever truly ready for a leap of faith? Blind trust doesn't come with readiness. It comes with the understanding that no matter what happens, good will come from the outcome.