Zelda stood just a few yards away, facing her Lofting which looked down upon her with utmost delight and pleasure. Its long head swayed rhythmically to the song Zelda was singing. The sweet melody carried by her voice rung alluringly in Link's ears. Normally calm and collected, he was surprised to notice a flutter in the depths of his stomach. His breath tightened in his chest and throat, especially on the inhale. It reminded him of the sensations one would feel in the split second after leaping into the open expanse of the sky to mount their Loftwing. He would be lying if he said he didn't enjoy these feelings. Zelda sang her last note and heard the sound of Link's leather boots lightly tapping on the stone ground behind her. She turned, her bright blonde hair flowing radiantly over her shoulders.

"You made it, Sleepyhead!" she exclaimed joyfully. "I'm glad to see my Loftwing got you out of bed."

"Yeah, about that," Link replied, shooting a stern glance at her Loftwing. "Getting screamed at to wake up isn't exactly what I would call kind. Perhaps she didn't hear your instruction correctly."

The royal blue bird squinted indignantly and gave a quick squawk in Link's direction.

"He's right, you know," Zelda said, turning to her bird. "That isn't very gentle, and I thought I had made myself clear."

Link straightened his back, giving a prideful nod of agreement.

"However," Zelda continued, gently petting the bird's wing, "you do sleep like a rock, Link. She probably had no choice but to scream at you to get you out of bed."

"Whose side are you on?" Link asked, putting his hands on his hips in protest of such a betrayal.

The Loftwing squawked at Link once more before being shushed by Zelda.

"It's okay," she said quietly, though just loud enough for Link to still hear, "defensiveness is good. It means he knows we're right."

"Oh, hang it all," Link said in a huff.

Zelda's charming, sweet laugh filled the air as the Loftwing pushed its head against Link's chest for a quick, reconciling scratch before wandering away. Now that they were alone, Link took full notice of Zelda's attire. She was clad in a bold fuchsia gown, with streaks of white and blue running across it. It was embroidered with various symbols and letters of ancient texts (none of which Link knew the meaning of) stitched carefully in brilliant sapphire thread. Various accessories of gold hung from her ears, neck, and wrists, and over her shoulder she draped a nice, cream white shawl, embroidered with the same letters and symbols in the same blue thread. Zelda had always been particular about her appearance, yet this was a whole new level of care and detail. She glowed happily under the morning sun, the light of which reflected beautifully from the golden harp in her hand.

"Wow, you look amazing," Link said, brows raised in excitement, though he wished he could think of something a little more original to say.

Zelda smiled, appreciating the comment, but then she bit down on her lower lip, her fingers playing delicately with the fabric of her dress. Link could feel that she was holding something back.

"Zelda? What is it?" he asked pointedly.

"The outfit," she sighed. "Be honest. Is it too much? Too little? I made all of this myself for today's ceremony, and I just…" Zelda paused and drew in a deep breath to still herself. "I just want to honor the Goddess as I portray her today."

Link offered a gentle, sincere smile.

"It's great. You will honor her well."

Zelda sighed contently. She trusted Link. He was one of the few boys who would actually share his fashion opinions if invited to do so. She recalled a time when he flat out stated, "You look ridiculous" to Fledge (and truth be told, he did) yet it was received well, which spoke volumes as Fledge's feelings were very easy to hurt. If something was wrong with the outfit, he would have found a kind way to critique it carefully, yet truthfully. She looked into his eyes, noticing how they glistened in the morning sun.

"Was that what you wanted to show me?" he inquired, holding her gaze.

"No, actually," she replied, looking down. "Though I did want you to be the first to see me in the outfit. I was feeling rather nervous about it. I spent most of the night obsessing over the finishing touches."

Link's brow raised slightly, concerned.

"Only last night?" he inquired. "Don't think I haven't noticed how exhausted you've looked lately," he forced a chuckle before dawning a more serious look. "Have you been sleeping well?"

"Well, no. I haven't, and the reason why is what I wanted to show you," she admitted. "But I've decided that it can wait until after the ceremony."

"Oh come on now," Link argued. "Is that fair to either of us?"

"It can wait."

"Are you sure?"

"Yes, I'm sure. I don't want to fill your mind with anything else. It might distract you from the race."

Link knew something was wrong, though decided not to press the matter. The ceremony was only a short time off, and after the hustle and bustle, he could check back in. He resolved to be patient until then. It was unlikely he could convince Zelda otherwise, as she was stubborn, frustratingly at times.

"How are you feeling about the ceremony?" Zelda inquired, her usual enthusiasm returning to her voice.

Link had no reservation about being truthful with Zelda. He had been putting on a brave and confident face for the others, but Zelda deserved his honesty.

"I would like to win, I really would," he admitted with a sigh, "but everyone else seems to want it for me even more than I do."

Zelda knew what he meant. Over the last few days, anywhere Link went, he was met by someone telling them how hopeful they were to see his victory. She had observed as he offered them a sincere thank-you or a simple nod of agreement, yet she could see that the pressure was getting through his normally thick walls. Sensing the heaviness of this burden, Zelda reached out and took his hand slowly and cautiously, knowing he was not always accepting of physical touch.

"I hear you," she assured him. "For what it's worth, I won't feel any differently regardless of whether you win today. I just hope you enjoy it. You deserve that."

Zelda's words needed some time to really sink in. She knew this and allowed a few moments of silence to pass, interrupted only by the wind and the occasional chirp of her Loftwing nearby. The two simply bathed in one another's company, her hand still supporting his. Without Link realizing it, his fingers had curled around hers. Zelda, however, found herself deeply savoring the touch of his skin against hers. When the time was right, Zelda spoke up once more.

"But you have to at least beat Groose."

The mention of his name prompted an exasperated groan from both. Their hands separated, and they shared a quick, much-needed laugh. Zelda still felt the residual warmth of Link's hand on hers.

"How is your Loftwing today?" Zelda questioned. "Is he ready?"

"Only one way to find out," Link replied.

Having met with Zelda, the next person (or bird) Link longed to see most was his crimson-feathered friend. He made for the nearest diving platform and leapt from it without hesitation. He whistled, signaling for his Loftwing to meet him, opened his arms, and enjoyed the feeling of the morning wind blowing against him. That enjoyment, however, was short-lived. After several seconds of falling, there was no sign of the bird, and the situation quickly became dire. Link was fast approaching the clouds, which Loftwings would not dare to go through. The atmosphere grew colder as he came closer and closer to the cloud barrier. Goosebumps bubbled up on his arms as he looked this way and that for any sign of his bird. Zelda's heart leapt into her throat as she watched Link get smaller and smaller, soon to be swallowed up by the clouds and whatever abyss laid beyond them.

"He's going to fall through!" she gasped.

Zelda quickly mounted her Loftwing. With equal parts grace and urgency, the bird dove from the island and gave chase. Link heard it call out to him and prayed it would reach him in time. He watched as the cloud barrier drew nearer and nearer, until finally, his body was wrenched painfully as he was caught in the grip of the massive talon of Zelda's bird. The cloud barrier moved further away with each flap of the bird's mighty wings. Valiantly carrying two people, the bird struggled to alight on the plateau smoothly, and therefore, the landing was less than kind. Link was dashed against the hard ground as Zelda fell from the bird's back. They all panted heavily, trying to recover from the few moments of sheer terror they had just experienced. Zelda and Link exchanged glances.

"Are you okay?" they asked simultaneously, each following up with a nod. Zelda noticed Link had several fresh scrapes.

"Something's not right," Link added, rising to his feet.

"I've never heard of a Loftwing refusing its rider's call before," said Zelda, looking back out over the sky for any sign of the bird.

"I can't even sense him. It's like he's not even… anywhere."

"Link, this is terrible. And right before the ceremony?"

Link extended a hand to help Zelda up.

"My Loftwing and I will fly around Skyloft and to the nearby islands to see if we can spot him," she said urgently. "Why don't you ask around the village?"

Link nodded and quickly started off. Zelda mounted her bird once more to begin the aerial search. All care and concern about the race left Link at once. His only care was knowing if his crimson-feathered companion was okay.