By the time the storm blew itself out, leaving in its wake only a calm drizzle, Revali had talked himself hoarse. His most recent offering, while less actual story and more overly detailed lecture on the various plants to be found scattered about the Tabantha Frontier, complete with detailed descriptions of the plants themselves, excruciatingly clear directions on where to find them, and an incredibly long list of the uses in cooking, medicine, and dying of cloth for each, had lulled most of their group into the sort of deep slumber that could only be achieved by the truly exhausted.

Less afflicted by the storm than her companions and more than a little curious as to how long it would take Revali to run out of plants to talk about, the Gerudo had not quite drifted off yet, but was drowsing comfortably in her bedroll near the fire.

The Rito cast one last glance over the still forms of their now sleeping fellow champions and fell silent. Without uttering another word he dragged his own bedroll next to Urbosa.

"Good job tonight," Urbosa murmured, causing him to startle. Rolling his shoulders, Revali climbed into his bedroll.

"It's just a bunch of stories," he said.

"It's more than that, and you know it. Thank you."

The Rito shrugged. "We do that back home, when the weather gets bad. Everyone gathers together for warmth, for safety. The elders start, and we take turns telling stories. It's supposed to help the fledglings feel safe, lying there surrounded by the village, listening to stories until they fall asleep." He fell silent for a moment, before adding. "I used to stay awake all night listening to the elders exchange stories."

"I used to try to sneak into the guards' combat training when I was little." Urbosa chuckled at the memory. "I don't know why I thought they wouldn't notice a child practicing in a room full of adults. My mother's guard told them to let me be, though. I must have practiced with them for nearly a year before it occurred to me to wonder why they weren't more suspicious."

Revali snorted. "I used to sneak out to watch the archers practice, even as a fledgling."

The two champions settled comfortably in their bedrolls; the silence between them did not feel uncomfortable. Urbosa yawned. In the darkness next to her Revali shifted, trying to get comfortable in spite of feathers that were still growing back.

Somewhere beyond them Daruk snored lightly, and Impa let out a soft sigh. The storm had passed, leaving the night peaceful and quiet, the remaining patter of rain relaxing and somewhat lulling, drawing the two still awake Champions slowly but surely into restful sleep.


Disclaimer: The Legend of Zelda does not belong to me.