Chapter 7: Confessions and Companionship

Revali

The conversation between Link and Zelda quickly dissolved into mostly playful banter and laughter. Strangely, I was confused. Had Link not told her how he felt yet? He had accidentally confessed to me in Zora's domain a while back and the look in his eyes as he interacted with her at this very moment confirmed his feelings for her. Not to mention Zelda looked at him much the same way. I looked to see Mipha looking at the happy two, she was trying to hide it, but I could see a glimpse of pain in her eyes. Oh, I get it now. But still did Link know that Mipha had… Well, while I'm not going to push it one way or the other, despite my own soft spot for a certain Zora Princess, I think it's time to take matters into my own wings.

I'll admit it, it was nice to see all the Champions in one place again. So much so for me that to everyone's surprise I couldn't hide my happiness. So what? Is it somehow a crime for me to let my feather's down once in a while? Link tried to enjoy the celebrations, but I couldn't help but notice that he seemed to be trying to avoid Mipha almost as if being with her made him uncomfortable. It was obvious that Link knew that she had feelings for him and seemed to want to avoid something that was obviously causing him a lot of discomfort.

After we all decided that it was time to call it a night (Actually it was Saki who decided when we called it a night as Tulin had to sleep and for that matter stay asleep) I found myself unable to sleep. Though I had been accompanying Link for at least a few months at this point, this was the first night when I found myself actively worrying for his wellbeing, especially when I looked to see his Hammock empty! Trying to remain calm and hoping that my night vison was up to the task, I flew into the night to try and find my lost brother.

Thankfully, he hadn't gone too far. He was at the nearby stable, inside the main building, with his head down in sleep on a table. I couldn't help but wonder how long he had been here to just fall asleep like that. I woke him with a gentle shake.

"You know, if you wanted to sleep, I assure you that your hammock back in the village is a lot more comfortable."

Link was surprised to see me there; but didn't say anything.

"May I?" I said, gesturing to the seat across from him.

He nodded his approval, so I sat down.

"So what's on your mind?"

He looked confused.

"Don't play dumb with me Link, I've known you since you hatched. Whenever you suddenly duck out its because you want to be alone either to do some kind of quest or think, and you seemed kind of distressed today, despite trying to hide it. So tell me, what's on your mind? Is it about Mipha? Zelda? Maybe both?"

I hoped I was making it clear that I would not allow him to remain silent. Finally, he sighed in defeat.

"Is it that obvious?"

"Anyone with two eyes can see how you act around Zelda and Mipha Link, especially with how you act around Zelda."

He rubbed the feathers on the back of head as he always did when he was nervous. Ok, I had broken through, now it was time to help him along.

"Did you know Mipha called off her engagement to you?"

Link's eyes widened.

"She what?"

"Even she can see how you act around a certain princess, and I'm pretty sure this Princess can see it too. But guessing by the way you act around Mipha and your childhood together, I would imagine that you have something for Mipha as well. Whether it be stronger or weaker than the one with Zelda, it is not my job to determine."

I leaned forward further, causing him to actually back away, "But I'm going to be brief Link… There are plenty of other males that could catch their eyes and they're not going to fight over you. It falls to you to decide who you end up with you. I have my guess about who you're going to choose, but I will still say this Link."

I stood up, leaning forward further until our faces were touching "Choose one, or risk losing them both."

Link

My lower beak slightly fell in shock, rarely ever had I seen Revali this serious, especially about my personal relationships. He moved back to his previous position.

"Now, let's get you back home."

I just sat there as he got up and walked toward the door. He stopped when he realized I wasn't following.

"Don't make me drag you there."

I smirked as I got up and walked over to him.

"I would love to see you try."

He just sighed and grumbled to himself as we both left the stable.

After we returned to Rito Village I had a lot to think about as I one more laid awake in my hammock. Revali knew that I loved Zelda, but what concerned me the most is did she love me back? We did get along pretty well, but I knew about as much about women as I knew about what exactly ancient Energy was. And what about Mipha? How would I tell her that my heart belonged to someone else when I knew that she wanted it to belong to her, for that matter, could I be happy with Mipha if Zelda didn't want me? Maybe, but for now as I checked my inventory for a Star Fragment and a Silent Princess, I knew my choice.

After Awaking Zelda, I took her to the top of the Dueling Peaks. She was a bit offput at first, so I tried my best to put her (and I must admit myself, at ease).

"Beautiful isn't it?" I said.

"I suppose so." she said.

"I usually came up here when I wanted to find what was known as Star Fragments. On random nights they fall from the skies, leaving behind these incredibly rare and beautiful crystals," I pulled one out to accentuate my next point, "Come to think of it, their rarity and beauty make them a lot like you."

She blushed as she took the crystal, clearly surprised and flattered by my comment, "Thank you."

I looked at the floor in discomfort before taking a deep breath, might as well get it over with.

"Zelda, this is hard for me to say, but I'm going to try and say it anyways, so here goes. I love you, as in, more than a friend. As I started to remember everything, memories I had with you were the ones that I found the most joy from. And when I hit my lowest points, I would remember you and it would give me the strength to continue. I… I…" I sighed and dropped my head in defeat.

I didn't know what else to say. Great, way to blow it hero! I was about to give up until I felt Zelda's soft, feathery hand lift my head to meet her eyes. She was smiling, practically her whole body was.

"I know. I've known since you rescued me. Even as you've gotten more vocal, you've always been a Rito of few words comparatively. But how you acted always told me all I needed to know. And I've been waiting for you to finally say it aloud, so I can do this.."

She pulled my beak towards hers in what we both imagined was a Rito version of a Hylian kiss. I leaned further into it as I caught her in an embrace. We separated soon after, from the kiss at least, just enjoying each other's presence as we stood encircled in each other's wings, Ganon, Ghirahim, The Master Sword even, seemed to no longer matter anymore as I held this piece of my heart next to me. Finally, we separated, and I made my next move. Being careful not to damage it, I offered her the Silent Princess I had chosen.

"Zelda? When we're both 18 and this is all over, if still we care for each other, will you promise you'll marry me?"

She took the flower from my hand and with the other took my hand in hers.

"Of course."

We decided to head back to Rito village later, right now we just wanted to enjoy each other's company and the stars above us. I didn't argue, why would I say no to some quiet time with my Princess? As a Star fell from the heavens, I took it as an omen that our new relationship and betrothal was going to be beautiful and something we both needed. However, one though remained that threatened to undo this whole experience: How was I going to tell Mipha? But for now, that could wait…. It would wait. As Zelda fell asleep adjacent to me, I figured it was time for me to finally get some sleep too.

Revali

I awoke in the middle of the night to once more find Link's Hammock empty, I grumbled in frustration as I got out of my own hammock, only to see a scrap of paper fall out with me when my feet hit the floor. I gasped in shock and confusion upon noticing the strange scrap, picking it up to examine it closer. It was small, looked like it had been torn from a blank page, and was folded once, I unfolded it and even in the dim light recognized Link's handwriting.

Dear Revali,

I've made my decision and am acting now. We'll both be back in the morning.

-Link

A short but informative note, as per his usual. I looked around where the other Champions were sleeping to find Princess Zelda's bed also empty. I knew it! I smiled in satisfaction as I went back to my hammock. Link had some hard news to break to Mipha in the morning, and that would be tough on him, but I knew that he would be happy with Zelda. After all, Mom and Dad looked at each other much the same way that Link and Zelda looked at each other. And for me, that was proof enough of their destiny.