Teba stood outside Kaneli's home, trying to determine how best to voice his question. However, as was normal, the words he wanted eluded him. Grunting in frustration, he ducked into the elder's home, eyes scanning the dimly lit hut.
"Good evening, Teba." To his surprise, Kaneli was up and about, seeming a bit more spry than he had been in months. It was a welcome sight after so many months of seeing him hobble about.
"Evening," Teba replied tersely.
The elder eyed him with concern. "I know that tone. What is it?"
Teba sighed, folding his wings as he tilted his head in thought. "... When Revali was named the Rito Champion, how did you…" he trailed off, still not sure exactly what he wanted to know. Was he trying to understand how another father felt as their child took on a dangerous task? Or was he trying to determine how best to handle the situation? He couldn't even be sure he wasn't seeking some way in which to remove the burden that had been set on Tulin's shoulders.
"... It was one of the worst days of my life."
Teba's head snapped up to find a sympathetic smile on Kaneli's face.
"Yes, he was 'the pride of our people' and a 'defender of the kingdom' but he's also my child. Perhaps not by birth, but I watched him grow and did what I could to support and encourage him. No amount of accolades eased the concerns I had."
"So what did you do about it?"
"I kept trying to encourage and guide him as best I could. You both had proven that no matter how hard I tried to keep you away from certain things, you would find a way to do what you had set your minds to. So, rather than fighting you on it, I tried to help support and guide you both as best I could."
Teba nodded, not quite satisfied.
"There is something else I think you ought to consider."
"And that is?"
"You shouldn't be thinking of your role in his life as taking away his responsibilities. Instead, you should be thinking about how best to prepare him for them."
"... I know," Teba sighed as he rubbed his beak. "I just…"
"It's difficult," Kaneli agreed. "Have you considered having Tulin speak to Revali and Master Link? I know he looks up to both of them and they may have some insight that will help him."
"He's already talked to Revali. He seems to be taking his new duty seriously." Teba fell silent as he considered something that had never occurred to him before. "I'm sorry."
"Hmm?"
"For causing you so much trouble as a kid."
To his surprise, Kaneli started chuckling, the sound of his mirth coming out in quiet hoots. "Oh, don't apologize. After all, you've had a child that has done the same to you. And if you're worried you would miss out, don't! He's only a fledgling still!" Kaneli set a hand on his chest as he laughed the hardest Teba had seen in some time. "Ah," the elder sighed as he regained his composure, "you haven't even realized the best part yet."
"And that is?" Teba asked, grimacing beneath the wing he was using to shield his embarrassment.
"That one day, Tulin will be having this conversation with you. Trust me, it'll be a lot funnier then than it is now."
Teba sighed. "I hope you're right."
"I do too," Kaneli replied with a fond smile. "Now then, I need to get to bed, and I think you and Saki have a few conversations in your future.
"Yeah," Teba agreed as he turned toward the door. He was tempted to try his luck and stay a bit longer, but he figured it wouldn't do either of them any good to overstay his welcome. And, he did have responsibilities of his own to attend to before he could turn in. "Thanks for everything."
"Any time," the elder murmured as Teba ducked back out into the cool night air.