The reunion between Turin and Saki was enough to bring tears to the eyes of even the most stoic. The relieved weeping of the mother, smothering her young son in kisses and hugs, combined with the excited storytelling from the young fledgling made for a beautiful scene.
Zelda wiped her eyes with a handkerchief gifted to her by a female Rito. Link's arm wrapped gently around her waist, and she rested her head on his chest. Zelda couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt and jealousy at seeing the boy happily embracing his mother. She would not get to see her own mother or father again, and the emptiness that left in her consumed her far more than she expected.
"We thank you for all of your hard work, Champion Link and Princess Zelda!" Kaneli commended them, coming to stand beside them. "Thanks to you, our children are safe and Rito Village can once again be at peace."
"Elder Kaneli." Teba's voice came from behind them. "I didn't expect to see you in my home. Is everything okay?"
"Quite right. I believe your wife and son have quite a story to share with you. But tell me first, how was your journey into the great northern plains of Hebra?" Kaneli asked, deftly dodging the question.
"Cold, even for me. It's as you said. The northern dwellers have moved farther south for the duration of the winter. They aren't far enough south to interfere with us however," the warrior informed him. His attention shifted. "To what do we owe the honor of your company with us again, Link? And who might this be?"
"This is Hyrule's Princess, Zelda," Kaneli stated. "They were handling an issue that had arisen while you were gone with some-"
"Let's call them vicious, feral wolves," Link cut in. "I think it's best that Kaneli tell you if you weren't already aware."
"Whoo! Too true. It's better he learns now, before the services are held," the elder admitted.
"You haven't had services for the three yet?" Zelda asked, surprised. "How long ago did…" she trailed off, not wanting to finish the sentence.
"Can someone please tell me what's going on here?" Teba was losing his patience with the vague sentences.
"How shall we summarize this?" Kaneli began. "There were several wolves-"
"Four of them in total," Zelda supplied.
"That took up residence in the cave near our outpost tree. They… were more savage than any seen. Two days ago… three of our fledglings didn't come home," Kaneli said, closing his eyes in pain.
"What?! Which ones! How could you let this happen?!" To say that Teba was upset was an understatement.
"It's not anything that anyone could have foreseen or stopped," Zelda spoke up. "Fortunately, we came along when we did, otherwise your son might have been another victim to the heinous beasts."
"Turin? No…" Teba's eyes widened in horror, and he stared past them at his wife and son. "He's all we have…"
"He's perfectly fine, because of the Princess's quick thinking and wisdom in handling him as well as the wolves," Link pointed out.
"For that, you have my thanks," Teba gruffly shook Link's hand. He hesitated in front of Zelda, unsure how to thank her. She ended the awkwardness by gently wrapping him in a hug.
"No need to thank me. I'm glad that we were able to bring your son home," the princess said softly.
"Go to your family. We've kept you from them long enough," Kaneli spoke up again. "We'll be holding services for the lost fledglings this afternoon. I hope you'll say a few words, Champion. You as well, Princess."
Zelda blanched, but recovered quickly, giving a slight nod. "Name the location and time. We won't miss it."
"Warbler's Nest, mid-afternoon. Notts and Cree loved to sing there with their sisters. It's only fitting they be remembered there." Kaneli shuffled back toward his home.
"We should probably have a bite to eat before then," Link sighed, glancing at the princess. "We're going to need our strength."
"I'm not really hungry," Zelda said stiffly. "I don't want to eat. What am I going to say to these parents? They've lost their children, and are hurting. I don't have words to comfort them."
"Nor do I," Link blew out his breath. "But you should at least try to eat. It'll help you think clearer if your stomach isn't growling."
She reluctantly followed him down the path back towards Rito stable. The open fire cooking pot wasn't being used when they arrived, and the fresh air cleared her mind more than she cared to admit. Taking a seat heavily on the log stools surrounding the fire, she stared out into the woods, resting her chin on her hand with a contemplative expression on her face.
"Zelda." Link called her name several minutes later.
"Hmmm?" She lifted her head to look at him. "What is it?'
"I was thinking… you might not know about the loss of a child, but you know what it's like to lose those you love," Link stated slowly, stirring the pot of stew he was fixing. "Don't overthink this."
"... thank you," she replied sincerely.
"Any time. You get this look on your face when you're focusing. You've had it since before. It's rather endearing," Link admitted with a slight smirk.
"What kind of look?" Zelda sat up straighter, the tips of her pointed ears turning red through her short hair.
"Not a bad look," he clarified. "Just a look of concentration when you're attempting to figure out a solution to a problem."
She huffed softly. "What about it? Why do you bring it up now?"
"Because when I see it, I want to kiss you and fix whatever issue is causing you to have that look," Link stated bluntly.
Zelda's entire face flushed a deep red. "Link! Don't say things like that!"
"What? Are you afraid people will overhear and get the wrong idea?" He couldn't help but tease her.
"Yes! I'm not… that kind of girl." She swallowed hard, embarrassment still ruling her emotions.
"Well, it worked. You're not worrying about what you're going to say anymore." Link flashed her a wolfish grin and handed her a bowl of steaming stew. "Try and eat. Please."
Zelda's stomach answered for her, growling loudly. She looked away, sighing as she picked up her spoon. "You win. This time."
"'This time' she says," Link teased. "It's more often than you realize. Just wait. I'll point it out next time."
She scowled but didn't respond, her mouth full of the delicious food he'd prepared.
"Wow! I didn't expect to see you all the way out here! You've got a serious case of wanderlust!" Beedle exclaimed, coming down the path around the stable.
Zelda glanced at Link and silently shook her head, finishing her bite before she spoke. "I am no longer surprised. We seem to catch up with you every time there's a stable nearby."
"Yup! Gotta make sure my favorite Champion is fully supplied for all of his shopping needs, or my name's not Beedle!" The merchant chuckled, setting his pack aside. "What's new?"
"Well, we somehow missed you near the Hebra stable." Zelda's brow furrowed as she tried to make sense of that.
Beedle made a face. "I stayed inside the stable. Too much going on outside for ol' Beedle. I don't need a Lynel chasing me, or a snowstorm threatening my livelihood."
"That's how we missed you…" Link nodded slowly. "That Lynel was nearly my undoing."
"No way! You?! But you're Hyrule's Champion." The merchant took a seat, warming his hands over the fire.
"Didn't stop the Lynel from flaying my back open easily as gutting a fish," Link said soberly. "If it weren't for Zelda, I'd be dead." He handed a bowl of stew to the now-quiet merchant.
"The Goddess heard my prayers, and willed it that you would be healed," Zelda commented calmly. "That's all there is to that."
Beedle set down his spoon after a minute, a contemplative expression on his face. "So, that explains why I hadn't heard from you or seen you in a few days. But what brought you to Rito Village?"
Zelda stared into the fire. She didn't want to be the one to answer that.
Link sighed and replied for the two of them. "Fi directed us here because there were some feral wolves that inhabited the cave north of the stable. These wolves had been turned by the Malice. They killed three Rito fledglings."
Beedle dropped the spoon he'd just picked up with a clatter. "You can't be serious."
"It's true. The beasts turned against each other when one was killed. They had an insatiable lust for blood, and it didn't matter what form it came in," Link tossed another log on the fire to keep it from dying out. "I wasn't the one to kill the wolves though. I can't draw a bow again yet. Zelda was the one to complete the task."
The merchant's eyes went wide. "You don't say."
Zelda's eyes were on the half-eaten bowl of stew in her hands. She set it aside, what little remaining of her appetite completely gone.
"Well, I'm sorry to hear that. Explains why the Rito have been so quiet today though." Beedle leaned back on his seat. "Normally there's more people interested in what I've got, and you can hear laughter or music coming from the village. I had one customer today, and he didn't seem to be in a chatty mood."
"The services for the fledglings are this afternoon," Link explained. "I doubt there'll be cheerfulness for a while."
"That's to be expected," Beedle said somberly. "Even still, I'm glad that you're here for the services. The Rito are a proud people, but they care deeply about their own. They'll be loyal to you, Princess."
Zelda nodded without looking up. Fear had crept back in with worry about what she was going to say.
Link set his bowl aside and knelt beside her, wrapping an arm around her. "Princess, you have a way with words that few others have. Please don't worry over this."
She nodded again dumbly, not trusting herself to speak.
Beedle watched the couple for a few moments before quietly returning to his meal.
"Do you trust me?" Link tried again.
Her tear-filled eyes met his and she threw her arms around his neck, sobbing quietly. "What am I possibly going to say?"
"Speak from your heart. I promise it'll be enough," he soothed.
"I can't afford to offend them… I remember how proud Revali was, and how easy it was to say something he didn't like," Zelda hiccuped slightly.
"Princess, if I may," Beedle set aside his empty bowl, clapping his hands and rubbing them together for warmth. "Proud though they are, if there's anything I've learned about the Rito it's that they respect those who treat them with dignity. From what little I've seen, I know that you have done that and more. You'll do just fine."
Zelda dried her eyes on the shoulder of Link's tunic and sat up, her head bobbing in understanding. "Thank you. To both of you. I appreciate the words of encouragement."
"Anytime. It won't be long now. Don't fret over it." Beedle flashed a warm smile.
The princess looked away. She felt a bit better, but there was no way of telling how the afternoon would play out.
A small group of the Rito had gathered by the rock formation that made up Warbler's Nest. One of the Rito women that Link recognized as Amali, someone he'd helped find her daughter was weeping near the front of the group, with three young fledglings surrounding her legs. Beside her, an unfamiliar Rito couple stood, embracing each other with tears flowing freely. While Link and Zelda watched, another dozen Rito flew across from the village, alighting with the group.
Kaneli stepped forward, addressing all gathered. "We are just waiting for the arrival of Teba and his family before we begin."
"I'm here," the gruff Rito responded, landing close to Zelda with his wife Saki behind him. Turin's wings were wrapped around his father's neck, and he cuddled in closer upon seeing all the tears.
"Very well. We'll begin." Kaneli motioned and the three fledglings stepped forward. A low trill from Kheel began the song and her sisters joined in.
Turin's head snapped up at the familiar tune then drooped, and he sniffled sadly. "This was Cree's favorite song."
Zelda fought back her own tears. Though she didn't understand the words, the feelings it brought was tranquil, yet hopeful. She leaned her head against Link's shoulder, swaying softly to the melody.
All too soon, the tune was finished. The second sister, Knotts, began a more mournful song, one that swiftly brought tears to the eyes of all present.
When the final note had faded, Kaneli dried his eyes and stepped forward. "Thank you, girls." He cleared his throat, and spoke more loudly. "Princess Zelda has graciously said that she will share a few words with us. Princess?"
Swallowing down the nerves that fluttered in her stomach, she straightened her back and turned to face the gathered Rito. Her first word caught in her throat and she coughed slightly before she spoke.
"Long ago, I remember my mother sitting me down on her lap to share with me a story," she began, her words gaining strength. "She had many things to teach me, but the ones that stayed with me weren't fairytales, or even the beloved childrens' tales that most young girls adored. The tales that I remember the best were the ones about people. The traditional stories carried down generations about the heroes among the various tribes. The Rito warrior that single-handedly bested the Lynel that threatened the village. The young Zora who defied his father's wishes and faced a flock of Electric Chuchus, armed only with a spear. The heart of the three Gerudo women who took down a Molduga that threatened their herd of sand seals."
She paused, allowing herself to make eye contact with Link, who gave her a reassuring nod.
Turin leaned over his father's head, listening with rapt attention.
"The reason I share these examples is because each of these peoples encountered a challenge. An adversity. Not all stories have happy endings." Zelda took a deep breath. "My father's didn't. The Rito Champion, Revali didn't. Mipha, Daruk, Urbosa, and Revali all met with the same fate. But we never truly forget those who pass. Their memories will live on in all of us. So also is the case with the three fledglings whom we gather to honor this afternoon."
Tears welled in her eyes, and she was quiet for a long moment before lifting her chin to speak clearly again. "No greater loss is felt than that of losing family. In no way today do we wish to diminish the agony of those hurting and grieving. Rather, let us come alongside them and remind them that they are not alone. Just as it takes a village to raise a child, so also it takes the support of others in our times of weakness. If there's anything I personally can offer during this season, ask it of me. I remain the loyal servant to all the people of Hyrule." Zelda bowed her head and stepped back, allowing silence to fall.
A new voice dripped with condescension before Kaneli could continue, a voice that startled the elder and the two Hylians when they recognized it. "Well, well. Who would have thought that the Princess would care so much about a people that was nothing like her. I have to say, I'm impressed with that little speech you gave." The spirit of the Champion, Revali, appeared close to where the two mourning families stood, his wings folded across his chest.
Link stiffened, unsure what to expect from the typically arrogant Rito.
"I do hope you'll forgive the intrusion. I simply had to say something. It's not often that I'm caught off guard by the actions of others, but what I've just seen is simply incredible," Revali continued, no hint of sarcasm in his tone. "You've grown quite a lot from being your daddy's meek little princess."
Zelda stared at the spirit, though not unkindly. "Thank you, Revali. Do you have anything you wish to say to your kinsfolk?"
"Actually I do. While I never was fortunate enough to find love before my… untimely death," Revali sniffed bitterly, then shifted to serious and addressed the weeping parents. "I commend you for choosing to carry on the Rito heritage, and I offer my sincerest condolences on the loss of your children. Know that I'll be watching over the growing fledglings, and Kaneli is free to call me for advice, should he ever so choose. Or his successor, should that time ever come."
Zelda shot Link a glance, his expression of surprise matching her own. She'd never anticipated anything like what she'd just witnessed, and yet, here they were.
Link broke the silence that had fallen. "Thank you, Revali. Your fight and sacrifice weren't in vain. It was because of your help with Vah Medoh that we were able to defeat Ganon."
"Oh, I'm quite aware of that, Link," Revali retorted. "Your thanks is appreciated, even if I'm not alive to revel in it like I once did."
Kaneli cleared his throat before Link could mutter the reply that came immediately to mind. "It's an honor for us to be graced with your presence, Revali."
The three sisters returned to the front of the group, beginning a soft song that resounded with notes of hope and joy, carrying only an undercurrent of sadness.
Off to the side, Link eyed Revali. Somehow, the blue ethereal glow surrounding him seemed only to add to his noble appearance. "Anything else you want to say?" he asked quietly.
Revali's eyes narrowed as he turned to face the Champion. "Well done defeating Ganon. Who knew that a flightless Hylian would be able to accomplish what even the greatest warriors for each people could not." A hint of his old arrogance slipped in with the second sentence.
Link bit back a sharp reply, giving a small smile instead.
As the song ended, Amali, the mother who'd lost two daughters mustered her broken voice to speak. "The kindness you've shown us today is overwhelming. I truly want to thank you, Kaneli for overseeing this. And Princess…" Emotion choked her, and she sobbed, wrapping her wings gently around the Hylian girl. "You… thank you." she whispered, adding a sentence only Zelda could hear. "Your mother would be so proud of you."
Zelda fought back tears, returning the embrace. Words she wanted to say rose in her throat and died as quickly. Sometimes, communication needed no words. An embrace from someone who cared could be every bit as powerful as the greatest speech. In that moment, a peace settled in her heart. If this was part of the role of being the ruler over Hyrule, she would gladly step up to the task. She needed this as much as those she was interacting with. Her confidence in herself was slowly improving, and it showed in the love and affection she was receiving from the people. Her people. Race, religion, or location had nothing to do with it. They were all her people, and she would not abandon them. Not if she had any say in the matter.
Fi appeared on Link's left unbidden. "The Princess has accepted her role as the rightful ruler of Hyrule. Her soul is at peace."
Link was no longer surprised at the sword spirit's sudden, infrequent appearances. "That's a surprise, given how rocky her mood was earlier," he commented.
"Master Link, these 'emotions' that you carry are shifting things. Her conviction is what brings peace to her soul. Fleeting emotions have no effect. Your vow to protect her is the same. Bearing the TriForce aids in this conviction."
The blond thought about that for a moment. Courage was the mark of the Hero, and the TriForce he carried. This didn't mean he was courageous at all times. Yet when trials arose, he didn't shy away from them. He knew his duty and fulfilled it to the best of his ability. That's what set him apart from the other knights prior to being appointed to the princess herself.
"You carry the soul of the Hero, as Lady Zelda carries the soul of the princesses of generations before, and a fragment of Goddess Hylia herself," Fi entoned, as if reading his thoughts. "Courage and wisdom shall be yours in this life and the one to come. The soul of the Hero and Princess will prevail until the end of time, as will the soul possessing the TriForce of Power. Ganon will return in a different form. As past has dictated, so future will reveal again."
Link was quiet, allowing the weight of that knowledge to wash over him again. It was nothing new, of course, but it reminded him why the Hero usually chose to remain silent. The burden was heavy, and the cost ultimately his life, and all reincarnations to come. A question rose to his mind, and he dared to voice it under his breath. "Do the Hero and Princess usually…" he trailed off, scarcely daring to hope.
"The fates of the Hero and Princess are forever intertwined. Whether that presently includes the feeling you call 'love' is not for me to reveal," Fi replied. Her head cocked to the side as she stared at Link with her strange blue eyes. "Past Heroes have loved their princess, and loved others alike. The cycle will continue on regardless."
He gave a single nod. "I understand. Thank you, Fi."
The spirit floated closer to him until she was nearly nose-to-nose with him. "I shall greet you tomorrow with the next location." That promise made, she disappeared as Zelda returned to stand by him.
"Is everything okay?" Zelda asked, unable to read his expression.
"Yes," he replied simply. A quick look around showed that Revali's spirit had vanished during his discussion with Fi. This didn't surprise him in the slightest, given the attitude of the Rito in life. Not much had changed.
A new spark of life had come to Zelda's eyes, and she took his hand, intertwining her fingers with his. "Let's go. Kaneli has organized a small feast honoring the two families."
Link allowed her to guide him, the warmth of her hand spurring him on. No matter what was the case with the previous heroes, one thing was certain: this princess would be his, and he wouldn't let anyone else take her away from him.