Morning saw Shadow Link bathed, fed, and ready to depart. Having a plethora of Ancient Materials, he decided to return to Akkala once more and was directed to New Castle Town for their Guidance Stone.

In the room that opened to the tunnel was a stone marker with an ominous engraving: Deep beneath this land has Hylia imprisoned the Demon King. We have erected a castle here to ensure the magic would hold and protect this sacred site. The preservation of this place is tied to the prosperity of the kingdom. May it watch over an eternal peace.

"Well, shit," Shadow Link sighed. A good portion of the outer sections of the castle were in ruins, though the main building remained intact; it was probably that failing defense that had allowed Demise the ability to be reborn as Ganondorf.

"That would explain the excessive amount of Guardians outside the castle," Navi said. "They were directly infected with malice and are likely drawn to the foul energy escaping at the edges where the magical protections are breaking down."

"I'd hate to think of the state of things if not for the extra magic put here," Midna remarked grimly.

The hidden passage was, as advised, a much easier trek than they'd had on the way to the Front Gate. By no means a well-lit, straight hallway underground (except for briefly at both ends), the vast majority of it was instead a network of caves and passages that had long ago been cleared of monsters. Strange, bulbous flowers Navi called Brightblooms grew along the path and even up the walls in places and gave off a soft light that brightened considerably if struck.

He eventually emerged into a large, octagonal stone chamber with one pillar in the middle leading up to a hole in the ceiling. Each side featured a small alcove that was being utilized differently. The Guidance Stone occupied the wall to his immediate left, and the alcove next to that had been draped with heavy, colorful tapestries, or possibly bed linens, that likely helped dampen the noise for anyone attempting to slumber in one of the three beds. There did not appear to be an attendant, but a small sign he nearly overlooked proclaimed the beds available to all at no charge. The next recess hosted a Goddess statue surrounded by candlelight, and he rolled his eyes but knew Navi would just jingle at him and tug on his ear relentlessly if he didn't stop at it before departing.

He stood before it reluctantly. "Goddess Hylia."

"Chosen Hero of Farore, I can offer you great power."

"I'm all ears."

"Rare is the honor to take wing with the children of the sky."

"I'm sure it is."

"Go, and bring peace to Hyrule."

"Right." Abstruse as ever, at least this one hadn't been actively unhelpful; it seemed to point him toward Rito Village.

The next alcove seemed to be some sort of makeshift war room for a group of people loosely termed the Monster Control Crew. There was a large map of Hyrule on the wall and a smaller one on the table that plotted out attacks and hotspots. Made up of castle guards and fed-up civilians from all walks of life, they currently had several squads out in various areas of the kingdom doing what they could to mitigate the proliferation of evil across the land. The few present took the time to thank him for his part in ridding the world of the monsters that had had the misfortune to cross his path.

"If you run across any of our crews out in the wild, it would really boost their morale if you could stop for a bit and give them a hand," a tall Gerudo warrior urged.

"The call has already gone out that the Champions' Guild will be reformed," a dark-haired Hylian said. "The armies are preparing for all-out war."

Another added, "All the peoples of Hyrule have started to band together. Our little outfit has more than doubled in size in the last two weeks! People figure, 'If the Shadow of Link can stand up and fight the great evil infesting our land, we can do no less.' It's been amazing to see," he marveled.

In the next area, a lone man sat before a lantern, head bent to the task of repairing broken weaponry. Along the wall in that section leaned several shiny, refurbished swords of different styles.

The next nook was a utilitarian space hosting a freshwater spring and a public cookstove. It had been a few hours since breakfast so he took the time to make himself a light lunch. The next recess had been made into a small study, so he sat at the table to eat. A few bites into his roasted Cucco sandwich, he noticed a familiar-looking piece of paper.

Sighing, he pulled it closer.

Hyrule Rumor Mill by Traysi

Traysi here! I have a taste for the rumors of worlds long gone and worlds yet to come! Everyone gossiping in the present world? Here are my favorite bits of the latest news…

Not only has Hyrule's not-so-dark Hero stopped Death Mountain from erupting and obliterating us all…

He has a royal companion! Kidnapped by the evil Zant, Princess Midna of the Twilight Realm has decided to stay in Hyrule and lend her power and skill to our own Shadow Link!

On a related note: the resistance needs you! You don't need to report to New Castle Town to take part! Grab whatever you can and bash a Bokoblin in your path today! United we can stand against the evil trying to destroy us all!

Traysi's Recommendation: [5 stars]

Aboveground, New Castle Town was a larger version of the chamber below that had been built around a defunct fountain: small markets and spaces being used for both training and living, and people of all kinds milling about together. It was a little busier than Hateno and Kakariko, people generally making a quick, safe stop on their way to other destinations. There were four gates out of town, though only the southern one was open, with a full contingent of guards and armed civilians keeping watch over those coming and going and providing support when necessary.

Not being in need of anything, he headed back underground and stepped up to the Guidance Stone, and a few moments later he opened his eyes once more to the Akkala Ancient Tech Lab's front door.

Navi jingled in his ear. "Before you head to Rito Village, you should stop and see Great Fairy Kaysa. Her fountain is right near Tabantha Tower. Might also want to stop in Hateno and grab your Great Flameblade. Likely be pretty useful."

"Whatever you say," he agreed with a shrug. She hadn't intentionally steered him wrong yet, and he'd already decided to head in that direction.

Robbie greeted him with the usual enthusiasm, which only increased when presented with the Ancient Materials.

"Oh! Well, you have been busy, haven't you?" the elderly man crowed, clapping his hands together enthusiastically. "Now, then. What would you like me to make for you?"

A short time later, Shadow Link had a new Ancient bow and his quiver would've been bursting with Ancient arrows if not for Navi's expanding charm. As the Sprite had advised, he stopped at his house in Hateno just long enough to use the facility and grab his Great Flameblade, as well as the warmest clothes he could find— a coordinated outfit that was clearly Rito-made, going by the avian stylings and wing-epaulets. The Pixie told him the deceptively thin fabric, called Snowquill, was filled with warm down feathers and promised much better protection from the cold temperatures Hebra offered. Satisfied there was nothing else he needed, he set out for the unique building atop the hill to use Purah's Guidance Stone again.

His body revolted immediately when he landed atop Tabantha Tower, uncontrollable shivers erupting from his spine outward and he struggled to don the Snowquill suit.

"Oh, dear. I probably should've told you to put them on before we left Hateno," Navi jingled apologetically.

Brain overtaken with coldcoldcoldit'ssofuckingcoldholyshit, Shadow Link couldn't even bother to snark at her, putting all his energy not spent on shivering into donning the warmer outfit. As soon as it was on, his body warmed quickly— though he could definitely still feel the chill of the air around him. It nipped at his ears, neck and nose as he took in the spectacular view around him. Just to the southeast, he could see the soft glow of the Great Fairy Fountain Navi had directed him to visit.

A short glide brought him down to the peaceful glen, the air there warm enough to make him begin to sweat inside his warm clothes. Rolling his eyes, he walked up the toadstool-steps and cleared his throat.

The surface of the water bubbled violently before a gigantic woman popped her upper half out, leaning an elbow on the side of her pool. Her hair and bodice were a dusty pink and (relatively-)small, iridescent butterfly wings sprouted from behind her pointy ears. "Mmm, I thought I detected a certain fragrance on the wind. Welcome, Shadow Link, Navi, and Princess Midna!"

Midna emerged with a flash and bowed gracefully. "Greetings, Great Fairy Kaysa."

"Such lovely manners!" The oversized woman gushed before looking directly at Shadow Link. "Ah! The young Hero. Allow me to soothe your wounds and comfort your weariness."

"Wait, I don't need— ah!" was all he could get out before she had grabbed and dunked him in her pool momentarily. A blink later, he was dry, annoyed, and surrounded by giggling women. "Damn it."

"Necessary or not, it's fun to do!" Kaysa laughed, then became serious. "You have made great strides in your journey, but many more challenges stand in your path. You must be ready to face any danger. Hold out your left hand, please."

He did so, and a corner of the Great Fairy's mouth lifted up. "Ah, I see my sister's mark already there. Excellent." She touched her fingertip to the back of his hand and he watched a small snowflake disappear into his skin. He may have imagined the slightly cool sensation, he honestly couldn't say.

"Your Snowquill suit is effective against all but the coldest weather as it is, but without the headdress, as well, you are not fully protected. This Unfreezable Charm will protect you and everything in your possession from even the most extreme temperatures and ice attacks."

That would likely be very useful, indeed. "Thank you."

"May it serve you well," she said with a nod. "I have done my part to aid you in your quest to defend Hyrule from evil. Return to see me when you are weary of battle." And in the next breath, she was gone.

"What a delightful interaction," Midna said.

"I'm sure it was— for you," Shadow Link snarked without any real heat.

"That's what I said," the cheeky imp quipped.

A flicker of pink light off to his left drew his attention, and he turned his head to find a Fairy flitting just out of reach. What really surprised him were the other two twinkling lazily around the Fairy's glen.

"You should catch them," Navi advised.

"Why?" he asked, genuinely confused. "I don't really need them anymore."

"You may not, but yours will not be the only life on the line."

That was a good point. All of the Champions, as well as Zelda and Impa would be in mortal danger. He shrugged his shoulders, deciding then and there to catch as many as he could, and he spent more time than he'd intended patiently hunting them (they were easily spooked by quick movements). Navi produced jars and space to keep them all in.

He brought up the map on his Sheikah Slate and judged it far easier to simply return to Tabantha Tower than trek the road northward for the remaining hours of daylight. It only took until midafternoon to defeat the few enemies, navigate around the malice, and finally reach the top of the tower.

The Sheikah disc he landed on was located on the nearest of the three small islands in Lake Totori connected via wooden footbridges to the main, central island and Rito Village itself. Across the way was an idyllic sight, the wooden shelters themselves picturesque, as well as the way they spiraled around the central tower that resembled nothing so much as a gigantic bird perch.

Each end of the bridges and the shady areas of the path were lit with soft, golden lamps that led the way up to the village. The guards seemed to recognize him, as several of them nodded at him and he was allowed to pass without question.

A moderate breeze toyed with his hair the higher he went, and he noted the temperature was moderate so he didn't really need the warmer clothes but wasn't uncomfortable in them, either. Wooden stairs connected natural stone landings seamlessly; the first landing was marked with the Rito symbol of a winged bird and hosted the village's Goddess Statue, adorned with flowers on her head and at her feet.

He sighed. "Feels like I just did this— because I did. Are there nine hundred of these, too?" he muttered, mostly to himself.

Navi jingled wordlessly in his ear, but it sounded quite a lot like Don't make me come out there. He sighed again. "Goddess Hylia."

"Chosen of Farore, I can offer you great wisdom."

"That would be fantastic."

"It would take a truly exceptional child to pass the Trial of Air."

He frowned. "I'm sure it would."

"Go, and bring peace to Hyrule."

"Wait— does that mean the Rito Champion is a kid?"

"Go, and bring peace to Hyrule."

"No, you're right; I should've known better than to ask," he snarked, but his mind was churning. Under what circumstances could a child become a Champion? He thought back to Eventide Island, and how many— even most— of the adults he'd met would not have succeeded there even without the addition of Zant's evil plot. Then there were all the dangers faced on Death Mountain.

An image of the brash young Arden trying to sneak off to fight a Hinox with a wooden sword and shield flashed through his mind, and he thought perhaps some children were simply fascinated by adventure and unable to resist its call. But to be skilled enough to be able to actually pass a trial? Truly exceptional, indeed.

He continued up the steps to his right. He first came to the large, open-air, semi-private shelter of the village inn, the Swallow's Roost ("Home of the world-famous Rito-down bed"). Long teal banners hung from every opening, flapping invitingly in the light breeze wafting through, but with it being only midafternoon, he passed it by.

He passed the Slippery Falcon general store next. It was about half the size of the inn and offered goat butter, cane sugar, bomb arrows, and a few other goods he didn't need right then.

A few Rito ladies stood on one of the flight decks, looking out toward the distant hills and speaking quietly, heads bent together.

Outside the Brazen Beak clothing store, his Snowquill outfit caught the attention of the attendant, who was selling the same thing inside with vibrantly-colored accents. "Ah, our new Hero," the brownish male greeted. "You know, we sell the headpiece that would complete your ensemble and render you unfreezable."

"No, thank you," Shadow Link responded with a head shake.

The shopkeeper was surprised. "Are you sure? You might find its qualities quite helpful in your adventures."

"I agree, but I had a charm put on me that does the same thing so I don't need it," Shadow Link said with a shrug.

"Ah, I see. Well, if you're planning on spending any time out on the tundra, I'd recommend getting some snow boots so you won't sink into the white stuff."

"I might do that. Thank you."

The next roost he came to was filled with several small, empty hammocks and one larger one higher up, the space being tidied by a humming female Rito.

The public cookstove was next door, and as he rounded the following curve the roof of the inn came into view, marking his first full turn around the central pillar.

As he continued on, five pint-sized Rito children raced each other down the steps past him, not pausing their conversation or even seeming to notice his presence at all.

"Are you sure that's where Tulin went?"

"Well, we've looked everywhere else, and he's been talking about it since the messenger arrived from Hyrule Castle."

"Yeah, he wouldn't shut up about it all morning."

"I wouldn't know; I was concentrating on my target practice, not your guys' jaws flapping in the breeze."

"You guys, we need to tell Saki!"

"Where do you think we're going?"

"Home for dinner?"

"Ugh. Pay attention!"

"I think she's down at the northern flight deck."

"She's gonna be so worried!"

"Especially with Teba already away."

"Maybe it'll be okay?"

"They are the direct descendants of Revali."

"Oh, we know."

"Maybe we should chase him ourselves and bring him home."

"Whoa— go to the Labyrinth?!"

"I don't wanna go there!"

"It sounds hard."

"It's supposed to be hard!"

"Ugh, you guys are such wimps."

"Yeah, come on, Tulin went!"

"He's five years older than we are!"

"Well, there are five of us!"

"And?"

"I bet we could get through the maze just fine, it's the journey there that might kill us."

"Technically, it's the Frost Gleeok on the journey that might kill us."

"Oh, well, if that's all, then what are we waiting for?"

"It's also not just a maze, there's some big room filled with Guardians trying to kill you or something, too."

"How many Guardians are we talking?"

"I don't know, like, a thousand?"

"I don't want any part of that."

"Me, either."

"And it's gonna be dinner time soon, and Mom's making my favorite tonight!"

"Do you ever not think about food?"

"No! Wait, I mean yes, of course I do!"

Their voices faded around the corner, but the wheels in his mind were turning. Was Tulin the child Champion? He recalled hearing the name Teba in Zora's Domain and remembered he was the head Rito Warrior. Where had he gone?

Half-tempted to turn and chase the children to bombard them with all his questions, he instead opted to continue climbing to the top of the village. He passed another domestic abode before spotting a familiar face in the next.

Harth was pacing in what Shadow Link assumed was the Rito craftsman's home, a sturdy branch half-strung into a bow shape dangling from his hand. He had mostly healed since the last time they'd met. "Ah, Shadow Link. It is good to see you again," he greeted, but he sounded distracted and his face was drawn.

"Harth, you look like you're feeling much better. What's the matter?"

"Well, our leader, Kaneli, is training Teba to take over when he retires and sent him a few days ago with a squadron to investigate a disturbance at the old temple in the gorge. But we received word this morning from Hyrule Castle that the Champions' Guild is to be reformed and I've just learned that no one has seen Teba's son, Tulin, since."

Shadow Link frowned. "How old is he?"

"Thirteen-going-on-thirty-five."

"And you think he's gone to attempt the trial."

Harth nodded. "I'm certain of it. He's been trying to teach himself Revali's Gale so he thinks he's up to any task."

"And what do you think?"

"I think it's mostly about proving that he's not a little kid anymore, but he hasn't completed his training yet. I worry for his safety. Of course, I'd worry about anyone who was going to attempt the trial, but Tulin has more cleverness and courage than common sense some days."

"Have you done the trial?"
"Nah, I don't need that kind of trouble. I am much recovered, but not quite at full strength. I'll leave that to other warriors." He huffed out a small laugh. "Or their kids, apparently." His eyes sharpened and he squinted at the Shadow. "It cannot be coincidence you are here just now."

"You want me to go after Tulin." It wasn't a question.

Harth nodded anyway. "Teba is away, and I am not fully healed. Saki has an old injury that would hinder her, so she cannot go and will be beside herself with worry for both of them. Besides, you stand a better chance of success than just about anyone and dangers abound in the Tabantha Tundra and beyond."

That reminded him of something he'd overheard the children say. "What the hell is a Frost Gleeok?"

"A massive, three-headed dragon-like creature that uses extremely powerful elemental attacks." A strained look of worry crossed the bowman's face. "If young Tulin is lucky, he'll slip past without alerting the Gleeok to his presence. If not…" His voice trailed off, unwilling to put voice to the end of that thought.

Shadow Link nodded. "I understand," he said, turning to go. "I'll find him."

The next roost beyond Harth's was set for a family of three but currently unoccupied, and the last building in the village proper contained an aged owl, likely the aged Rito leader, Kaneli, snoozing on a wooden rocking chair.

Just beyond that, at the very edge of town, was the Rito Guidance Stone, but he decided to make use of the town's public fire before departing.

The area was deserted when he arrived. He noticed a recipe on the wall for a delicious-looking spicy beef stew that promised to be both quick and hearty. The smells produced as he cooked were delightful, and the finished product lived up to his expectations in tasty fashion.

"You didn't ask about payment," Navi jingled quietly in his ear.

He frowned. "Oh, yeah. I guess I didn't think about it." A shoulder lifted in a shrug. "I'll worry about it after I find the kid. That reminds me: can you put a charm on me so I won't sink into the snow?"

"I would love to," she said, sparkling and jingling as she sprinkled him with the charm he'd requested.

When he'd finished eating the sun still clung to the sky, so he made his way back to the Guidance Stone. Then, lamenting his poor judgment at eating so close to traveling in this manner, closed his eyes and shook his head as his body disintegrated, fervently hoping dinner stayed down.