Though Link had ascended waterfalls twice before with the miraculous Zora garments, this was his first opportunity to descend in similar fashion. There had been neither need nor opportunity for Sidon to teach him how it was done, leaving Link feeling unprepared as the cataract's currents carried him off and down from Upland Zorana's considerable heights.
As it had in Zora's Domain, however, the dark blue clothing made the life-threatening foray feel as natural as breathing. Link found himself instinctually riding the flows on his knees, his fingers making their own trails behind him in a rush of air, water, and speed. The entire sensation was exhilarating, culminating in Link's leap from the fall itself and into the waiting catch pool below.
Not wanting the river to take him further northward, Link made for the right bank as soon as his head broke the surface. He enjoyed the feeling of cutting smoothly through the water and again wondered at the idea of such a life with Mipha at his side.
The banks were steep and rocky, preventing easy departure from the river. A narrow wooden bridge offered Link his only chance. Part of its foundation, which was nothing more than a series of poles driven deep into the river bed and adjoining banks, was set into a flat portion on the eastern bank. Link pulled himself from the current, his chest heaving from adrenaline earned and effort spent. Once more he changed into his normal attire, using the bridge as cover.
Stowing all of the Zora garments - save for Mipha's pendant - Link half-walked, half-climbed up the steep bank and onto the small strip of land separating the three rivers born from the falls. Two more waited to be crossed, and Link set out at once.
As eager as he was to reunite with Kass and resume his journey, Link allowed himself to admire the majestic scene in which he walked. The twin falls produced a steady roar and mist-born rainbows that drifted over rivers and bridges alike. More than one fish frisked in the active waters, reminding Link he had not yet eaten since setting out from Zora's Domain.
The first bridge brought Link to a broader stretch of earth separating the latter two rivers. It was easy enough to follow the beaten path to the second bridge, which was likewise made of wood and presented no issues upon crossing.
Waiting on the opposite side, as promised, was Kass. The Rito sat cross-legged under a tree, engrossed in some form of maintenance concerning his accordion. The kindly creature looked up and smiled upon seeing the Hylian.
"You vanquish waterfalls with all the skill of a Zora, Link of Hyrule!" Kass hailed appreciatively. "I could not help but notice your descent. I dare say Prince Sidon would have been proud of you, and he is considered the best swimmer among his own people!"
"It takes very little to make Sidon proud," Link said truthfully. "He is one of the kindest souls I have ever met, willing to dole out praise without provocation or jealousy."
"You are not alone in that observation," Kass agreed as he stowed his instrument and stood. "It has been some time since I have enjoyed his company, but even as a calf he was a good-hearted lad."
Link nodded, glad to reflect on his Zora friend. He was all too aware, however, that Kass had intentionally observed his descent from Upland Zorana without asking how it was achieved. It seemed Link was not the only one waiting for the right time to discuss the truth in its entirety. And what time will that be? he wondered.
"This road will take us to the stable?" Link asked aloud.
"Yes, though I am afraid it will take us at least two days to reach it," Kass answered thoughtfully. "I am not the most accurate at calculating travel by foot. There is a cluster of ruins that lies northeast of here. With what remains of today, I believe we can make camp there."
"I am sorry to keep you landbound," Link said regretfully as the two set out eastward. "It seems a crime to keep a Rito anywhere but the sky."
"A small price for a journey with a good man," Kass returned kindly. The Rito's colorful wings were folded behind his back as they walked, further exposing the short sword hanging from his sash. Link could not help but admire its craftsmanship. With a hollow center just above the hilt, the weapon was light, yet razor-sharp.
"That is a fine blade you carry, Kass," Link said appreciatively. "I can only imagine its worth in the hands of a skilled Rito." His feathered companion merely shrugged in response.
"As I said before, Link, I have little use for the clanging of swords and shedding of blood. Rearing five daughters and no sons has only enhanced that sentiment. But I do not deny the skill behind its making. Our smith takes pride in preparing our warriors, something my people do not take lightly."
Then the Rito glanced at the hilt protruding over Link's right shoulder.
"I must assume you have at least some skill with a blade," Kass observed. "Was yours a gift or a necessity?"
"Both," Link answered carefully, but nothing more. The weapon he carried had been a gift from Impa, meant to serve him better than the smaller edition he had lost at Hateno. Both he and the Sheikah elder knew, however, that the former soldier's sword was not the blade he would ultimately need.
"I see," Kass said thoughtfully. "I am no smith, but it appears to be a stout weapon. I dare say - and I hope you will forgive me for saying so - it does not appear to fit you."
Link looked at the Rito who seemed to know so much more about him than any being his age should. The descending sun was turning the white feathers around Kass' eyes into a bright orange. The yellow eyes themselves, however, merely blinked with innocent interest.
"Why makes you say that, Kass?" Link asked cautiously.
"We Rito put far greater stock into pieces of metal than we should," Kass admitted good-naturedly. "Our young are tried with different arms as soon as they have the strength to wield them. When we come of age, we choose the weapon that feels more natural to us than any other.
"I chose this," the Rito continued while gesturing to his sword, "because it is small and easy to conceal. Unlike most of my flight brothers, I do not consider myself a warrior first. Such a sentiment is easier to indulge with this than a mighty sword or spear on my person. As I said, I am an oddity among my own."
"It is an oddity I wish I could share," Link admitted truthfully.
"I do not doubt your words, my friend," Kass returned gently. "But it appears you have accepted whatever role requires you to dismiss them. And for some reason, I feel the blade you carry does not fit the burden you have chosen to bear."
No, Link agreed to himself. No, it does not.
The road turned north, giving them a broad view of the Akkala plains. The surface of Lake Akkala glimmered beneath the setting sun, while the soft sound of crashing waves could be heard to the east. Under dusk's glow, the reddened autumn trees seemed almost ablaze.
"Hylia's brush blesses the land," Kass remarked softly. "Were the times better, I would bring my family here to appreciate it."
Link nodded contentedly, his liking for his new companion growing by the minute. Though he missed Brigo's good humor, the Rito had a way of saying exactly what his heart was feeling. His own sweeping gaze of the wondrous scene swung to the right, where it noticed something new.
"Is that not part of the mainland, Kass?" Link asked, pointing eastward.
The Rito peered toward the object of Link's curiosity. A mighty monolith of stone rose well beyond the sheer edge of the coast. It reminded Link strongly of the Pillars of Levia, save it was far rockier and rose not from the land, but the sea beyond.
"That is Tingel Island," Kass answered shortly. "It is the northernmost of the eastern isles, all named for those who have aided the hero of legend in ages past. Tingel, it is written, was the foremost of them, though he considered himself the least."
"Why is that?" Link wondered aloud as the road turned north.
"In a time when fairies were many, Tingel was one of the very few bereft of one," Kass explained enthusiastically. "Legend says he even tried to become a fairy himself to make up for what he deemed an immeasurable fault. Despite his odd obsession, Tingel was a gifted cartographer and an even better person. He supplied the hero with guidance and encouragement imperative to his success."
Link nodded in absent-minded acceptance at the latter, for it was the first portion of the story that had snared his interest.
"Dorephan told me of a fairy that resides in Akkala," Link said casually. "Do you know of such a creature?"
The question caused Kass to look sharply at his companion.
"Dorephan is one of the very few who would know of her," the Rito slowly said. "Indeed, it is only by him that I am familiar with the Great Fairy Mija. I must admit, Link, I did not take you for a treasure seeker."
So Kass was as wary of this sprite as Dorephan had been, Link reflected. Clearly, bargaining for her aid was no trifling matter.
"It is not treasure I seek, but help," Link finally said. "As I told you before, I intend to reach Death Mountain. I cannot do so without powers beyond my own, and this fairy was the only answer Dorephan could readily provide."
"Then it is the only answer that exists," Kass said decisively. "His wisdom makes my own elder's seem that of a babe."
The Rito went silent, as though he were pondering what to say next. Link let the silence have its moment. The road was, he realized, descending with the land as both meandered northward. Dusk was fast approaching, causing a shadow to fall from the low rise to their left. Link could just make out the ruins further ahead to the right of the road.
"I do not believe it a coincidence that you would bring up the Great Fairy Mija when we are so close to her… abode," Kass slowly said. "It lies but a morning's walk from where we will camp."
The Rito turned his beak to face Link directly. In the gathering dark, his yellow eyes seemed to glow with an added intensity.
"I dare say you will be the first to visit her in decades, Link," Kass warned. "There is a reason for this, one to which I am sure Dorephan already alluded. Though Mija boasts the power to grant the extraordinary, the price she exacts for her services is equally exorbitant. The Akkalans give her grove a wide berth, lest they are tempted to pay that which they can least afford. Do you understand?"
Thinking yet again that he possessed little enough to begin with, Link acknowledged his friend's caution with a firm nod.
"I understand, Kass," he said gratefully. The Rito studied Link a moment longer before appearing at ease with their conversation.
"Very well," Kass agreed with a sudden ruffling of his neck feathers. "I will take you there on the morrow. Until then, let us rest our claws - er, feet."
A crackling fire shone on two content travelers later that evening. Link had been happy to add his own fruit to Kass' offering of fish, which he had retrieved from the Sokkala rivers earlier that day. The meal had filled the companions admirably, and now the pair sat comfortably against the ruin walls that concealed most of their camp from the nearby road.
The conversation had been nearly as good as the food. Link was fascinated by Kass' telling of his homeland, a place of high peaks and harsh winters in which the Rito flourished.
"I cannot fathom archers as skilled as those you describe," Link said admiringly. "This Teba truly hit three targets with three arrows on one draw?"
"Oh yes," Kass confirmed good-naturedly. "Teba is regarded as the most skilled and fierce warrior among our people, neither of which are light claims to make, my friend. I dare say he is kin to the great Revali in spirit, if not blood."
"The Rito Champion?" Link asked, now keenly interested.
"Ah, so you recognize the name?" Kass noted over the lit pipe protruding from his beak. Again, Link decided discreet truth was his best course.
"I was fortunate to know a Sheikah well versed in Hyrule's history," Link explained, his hand unconsciously gripping the hilt of the short, curved sword sheathed at his waist. "He told me Revali was the bravest Rito to soar the skies. I can see why such a one would inspire future generations."
"In more ways than one," Kass said dryly. "Revali's tongue was as sharp as his shafts, and though Teba is not quite as rash as our late Champion, this business with Vah Medoh gnaws at him more than any other. I pray he and my people are whole and unharmed when I return."
Link was sorely tempted to ask why Kass did not return rather than humor a Hylian on the other side of Hyrule. Yet the Rito had yet to ask the nature of Link's own venture to Death Mountain, an omission that had to be intentional.
"Seeing as you are clearly drawn to the notion of Divine Beasts and Champions," Kass said suddenly, "would you care to hear a portion of my ballad concerning the Hero and the Calamity? It is, of course, based on the tale of ten thousand years ago, one known to precious few today."
"I would love to hear it," Link gladly allowed, "but why only a portion?"
"It is a rather long composition," Kass admitted while retrieving the carefully packed accordion from its case. "By saving some of it tonight, we earn a second helping for another day, something we did not accomplish with our supper."
Link laughed agreeably as the Rito flexed the instrument out and in with a flourish. The resulting sound was nothing short of grandiose, an introduction into a hauntingly beautiful rendition the likes of which Link could not remember hearing before. Kass' eyes were closed in solemn devotion to his vocal offering, which carried high and strong in the windless night air.
In the kingdom of Hyrule, a vast and storied land
Oft grasped in the palm of a villainous hand,
A dark force of destruction many times undone
Rises once again - Ganon, the calamitous one.
But hope survives, for all is not lost!
Two brave souls protect Hyrule, no matter the cost.
A goddess-blood princess and a fearless knight,
They appear in each age to fight the good fight.
Their battle with Ganon I've committed to song,
To keep it through time, no matter how long.
Now begins the second verse, listen and you'll know
Of their battle with Ganon ten millennia ago.
The kingdom of Hyrule was a land of lasting peace /
A culture of such strength and wit that suffering did cease.
But far beneath lurked Ganon, strengthening its jaws /
So Hyrule's elders commenced a wondrous cause.
Their efforts bore fruit in all its due course
In the form of an army, a metal-made force.
Four giant behemoths whose power never ceased,
Each of these titans was called "Divine Beast."
And free-willed machines that hunted their prey /
These Guardians also were built for the fray.
To guide the beasts in battle, warriors were needed,
Thus four Champions were pledged to see Ganon defeated.
So it was that Divine Beasts, Champions, princess, and knight,
Joined forces to prevent Hyrule succumbing to night.
And when Calamity Ganon finally chose to appear, /
Hyrule's champions stood against it without doubt, without fear.
Ganon unleashed its assault with hate everborn,
It gnashed and thrashed to see our fair homeland torn.
Yet the Guardians kept our heroes safe through the hour...
The Divine Beasts' attacks weakened Ganon's power.
With his sword our hero did mete out a mortal blow,
And the princess with holy power sealed Ganon, 'tis so!
And that is the story of Hyrule's immortal foe,
And how Hyrule did rise 'gainst him ten millennia ago.
The final note from both orator and instrument rose in triumphant beauty, fading only until the happy ending had been done utter justice. Link did not applaud this time. He simply absorbed the power of the performance, his heart burning with the ebbs and flows of the great tale. His predecessor's victory rang within him, infusing hope that lifted duty's oppressive weight.
"A moving tale," Link said appreciatively. "Made more so by your gift, my friend."
"T'be sure, twas a gran' performance, m'lord. A gran' performance indeed!"
In a flash, Link was on his feet and whirled about to face the source of the unexpected praise. Kass was scarcely behind him, his blade out only an instant later than Link's.
The newcomer immediately raised gloved hands to show he was unarmed.
"Peace, m'lords! Kilton means ye no harm nor hurt, fortune favor me he doesn't!"
Link lowered his sword and took in their odd visitor. Heavy garb from knee-high boots to a hooded cloak hid all but the man's face, which was unlike any Link had seen before. A solitary tuft of white hair swirled up from a wrinkled forehead, matched by an equally white and stringy goatee. His skin was darkly and heavily splotched, which contrasted greatly with red-painted lips and alarmingly round eyes. All in all, he was the strangest-looking Hylian Link had met since awakening.
"You startled us, sir," Kass good-naturedly admitted as he sheathed his sword. "Forgive us if we returned the favor with our greeting."
"Forgiven and forgotten, good lord," Kilton gushed with a dramatic bow. "Your fire's kindly light did beckon in these dangerous Akkala nights, fortune favor me it did."
Link returned his own blade to the sheath on his back, satisfied this eccentric stranger posed no threat.
"There is no crime in seeking safety," Link reassured him with a gesture toward the fire. "What brings you to these parts, master…?"
"Kilton, m'lord!" the newcomer repeated. "A simple traveler I am, though unwanted more than most until fortune favored me with the two good lords before me."
"We are no lords," Link corrected him kindly, "but travelers like yourself. Please, help yourself to what remains of our meal."
Kilton needed no second bidding. He seized the remaining fish with both hands and began devouring it at an alarming rate. Link was startled to see needle-like teeth in place of a normal man's, adding to Kilton's carnivorous appearance.
"So… ah, where are you bound, master Kilton?" Kass asked hesitantly. Clearly he, too, was somewhat off-put by their visitor's disquieting impression.
"Mmphf… the Eastern Akkala Stable, m'lord," Kilton answered between mouthfuls. "Only safe place in these parts."
"Indeed it is," Kass replied knowingly. "We journey there ourselves."
Kilton's startlingly large eyes lifted above what remained of his repast as he openly eyed his two hosts.
"S'funny… I didn't see neither o' yous cross the Akkala Span, an' I was waitin' days to cross. If yeh didn't come from the west, where are yeh comin' from?"
Link's eyes hardened immediately, his suspicions aroused for more than one reason. Kilton's accent had changed completely, his flowery speech replaced by open aggression. More alarming was his observation. Link had no desire to share his reasons for nor means of reaching Akkala with this unsettling character. Luckily, Kass readily intervened.
"You have no doubt surmised that I am a minstrel, a trade made easier thanks to these ragged wings of mine," the Rito said smoothly. "My friend Lars here hails from near the Ulria Grotto. We chanced upon meeting one another and decided to journey together in safety."
Link had no idea where or what the Ulria Grotto was, but he trusted the well-learned Rito's quick thinking. Kilton studied Kass for a moment before a smile bloomed to life on his offsetting features.
"Sure as the fates 'tis a fine tale of companionship," Kilton wheedled and nodded. "Friends banding t'gether for safety in these per'lous times. Marvelous. Marvelous."
Their guest then turned and began rummaging furiously through the brown sack tied over his shoulder. Link and Kass risked sidelong glances at one another, clearly unsure as to their newcomer's erratic behavior.
Finally, Kilton emerged with a pair of clear flasks, each containing a purple liquid that Link could only assume was wine. The pear-shaped man used a gloved hand to remove the stoppers, swilled the flasks, sniffed them appreciatively and proffered them to his hosts.
"Here you are, m'lords!" Kilton exclaimed. "A proper drink for a proper toast! To you, good sirs, the embodiment of friendship and welcome!"
Hylian and Rito hesitantly took a flask each. Kass' neck feathers ruffled greatly upon hovering his beak over the drink. Link discovered why an instant later. The acrid odor nearly burned his nose, all but promising a bitter flavor.
"Come, come, m'lords!" Kilton gaily encouraged them. "'Tis strong, to be sure, but 'twil greatly lift your spirits! A more fitting drink there isn't in all of Hyrule, I promise you!"
Link reluctantly brought the flask to his lips. He had no doubt he would dislike the refreshment, but Kilton seemed desperately eager for them to accept-
Link lowered the flask — a fine flask of glass filled and prepared by a man who had entered their camp without a morsel of food to call his own. The same fang-like teeth that had devoured their hosts' meal now hooked over his bottom lip, sucking eagerly in anticipation of… of what?
"I think I will pass," Link said slowly as he set the flask on the ground.
Kass, who had nearly taken a draft already, seemed to note Link's quiet resolution.
"Yes, I too will refrain," the Rito agreed, albeit with a greater attempt at kind refusal than Link had offered. "I find wine taken this late does me little good when traveling the next morning. Thank you, sir, for the generous offer."
Kilton looked from one companion to the other, his overly large eyes trying to match the smile plastered on his unsightly features. Link detected, however, a tightening around the corners of the mouth, followed by an unsteady licking of red-painted lips.
"Surely…," Kilton began breathily, "Surely m'lords would not refuse the humble gift of one who is in their debt? Poor Kilton only seeks to repay their kindness, fortune favor me he does."
The man was almost panting with a desire Link did not understand, nor did he want to. Instinct within shrieked one simple fact: Kilton was dangerous.
"You may pay your debt by taking your leave," Link cut in coldly as he stood, right hand reaching for the hilt over his shoulder. "Leave and do not come to us again. You will be far less welcome if you do."
Kilton's eyes grew even wider, their whites sickeningly large compared to the small, dark irises they contained. Then his face contorted. Bushy eyebrows contracted in anger. Nostrils flared and his fang-filled mouth opened in a snarl.
Whatever Kilton had been on the verge of saying or doing was cut short by the hiss of Link's sword leaving its scabbard. Its pointed end hovered no more than a span from the now unwelcome visitor's eyes. Kass was scarcely behind him, his own Rito blade drawn and yellow eyes burning with more than the firelight's reflection. A face rendered hideous with hatred and loathing greeted the pair's stand.
"Hinox filth!" Kilton spat. "Yer right fools, yew are! Yew'll beg me to gut yer afore I'm done with yew!"
"Do not tempt me to gut you now," Link returned sharply. "Leave, before I relieve you of the opportunity."
Kilton scrambled to retrieve the unsampled flasks, taking extra care to re-stopper and pack them away before darting away from the camp and into the darkness.
Link and Kass waited several moments before finally sheathing their swords. The pair looked at one another, relieved the tense encounter had passed but unsure as to its meaning.
"What do you suppose he wanted, Kass?" Link asked, thinking that perhaps his well-traveled friend might know something he did not. To his disappointment, the Rito merely shook his heavy beak.
"I do not know, Link," Kass admitted, "but I'd wager that was not wine of the vine he offered us. Perhaps a woebegone bandit, trying to poison us in hopes of easy spoils?"
"Perhaps," Link said, unconvinced. "Whatever his actions or the intent behind them, I would not see them accomplished at our expense."
"Amen to that, my friend," Kass breathed as he ruffled his feathers once more. "I dare say I'd like to take first watch tonight. I've no hope of sleeping so soon after seeing that ruffian up close - or smelling that vile concoction. Get some rest, Link. I will wake you for second watch."
Link thanked the Rito for the offer, then set about making his pallet for the night. Even after settling in, he found it difficult to reconcile Kilton's twisted features and open contempt. What had he wanted with them?