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Chapter Text

Deep breath in... Long, slow exhale... Loosen your shoulders... Slow thoughts, slow movements...

A heavy breath left my chest, visible in the moonlight as a puff of fog as I tried to steady myself. My shoulders loosened, though the tension never left my arms while my bow rested steady in my grip, the string pulled taut against the strength of my fingers. The fletching brushed my cheek; the string grazing the bracer strapped over wraps covering my forearms.

The world beyond my bow narrowed to one silhouette.

Mist drifted lazily across the clearing, silvered by moonlight. Through it, I saw my target.

A Lynel.

It stood like a god among monsters. Its body was massive, five times my size at least, its every motion rippling with muscle. Golden horns curved from its skull like a crown and its mane was thick and wild, framing its face in a way that made it seem more beast than man, more demon from mortal. In one hand, it idly clutched a blade taler than I was, a weapon that would have turned any ordinary hunter into dust.

I could feel my heartbeat in my teeth, my jaw becoming sore with tension.

The longer I held, the heavier the bow became. My shoulders burned and my arms shook, screaming for release, to just let the arrow fly, but I couldn't. Not yet. The timing had to be perfect.

I bit my lip hard enough to taste iron. My heart wanted nothing more than to scream, but I forced the string down, easing the shot away.

I blinked--once, then twice--refocusing on the Lynel.

The clearing was empty.

I froze in the realization that my game had vanished from in front of me. My eyes frantically darted around looking for it and I felt my throat constrict. There was nothing. Not a sound, not a shimmer of horn, and most definitely not the glow of its bestial eyes.

No... no, no, no. Where did you go?

I crouched low, knees bent, creeping forward inch by inch. My breath came shallow, desperate to keep the silence unbroken. My eyes scanned the clearing again, frantic.

And then--

A heavy huff sounded from behind. The air froze in my lungs, my body turning cold.

I turned, slow, agonizingly slow, dread dragging my head around. There it was.

The horns gleamed like molten gold, its eyes holding the shimmer of a predator's fury. It had its sword tilted slightly, catching the moonlight.

I couldn't breathe. My chest locked and my limbs stiffened, and it felt as though I had left my body entirely, hovering outside myself in raw terror.

It didn't move and neither did I as we stared at one another. Our little staring contest stretched on, time itself breaking.

I took one step back. Then another.

The heel of my boot brushed the grass and my heart begged me to run, but I forced myself to inch backward. Just a little more and I would be far enough to turn, to bolt--

SNAP.

My eyes shot down to see a broken stick beneath my foot. The roar that followed was enough to shake the heavens and the forest exploded into chaos.

I ran, my legs moving before I knew they had chosen to. Branches tore at my arms and roots clawed at my feet. The ground quaked under every thunderous step of the Lynel and the roar still rang in my ears, chasing me into the trees.

The night blurred. Shadows streaked past, silver lines of moonlight flashing between drinks. My chest burned as though every breath were knives and my heartbeat drowned out the world.

I stumbled, nearly went down, caught myself, and pushed harder. The beast crashed after me, faster than anything so large had the right to be. Minutes stretched into a torturous eternity.

I could feel my strength failing and my legs shook, stumbling with each stride. The blades in my lungs turned to fire, my throat raw. There was no possible way for me to keep this up.

A root snagged my foot and I pitched forward, pain ripping up my leg as I hit the ground hard. By the time I rolled onto my back, the Lynel was already there.

It loomed over me, sword raised high, a shadow blotting out the moon. Its roar ripped the world in half.

"Help! Somebody help me!"

The scream broke from me without thought, cracked and ragged with terror. Tears blurred my vision as I braced, pinching my eyes shut as I raised my arms.

But nothing came.

Metal struck metal, a startling screech of sound that forced chills down my body.

My eyes shot open. Before me, a young Hylian had somehow managed to block the Lynels fatal attack--standing between me and what would have been my death. My mouth was agape at the sight and when I blinked, the beast staggered, roared, and collapsed with a crash that shook the forest floor. I lay frozen, staring at the corpse.

The boy turned, crouching to my level before his hands moved with practiced care to check my wounds. He said nothing but his expression was calm, steady as though what had just happened was nothing at all.

My voice broke as I tried to speak. "H-how did you--"

"We need to get you to the stable. It's not far." The man finally spoke, his tone clipped. "It's not far."

He hauled me up with surprising gentleness, whistling sharply, and within moments the sound of pounding hooves cut through the dark. A horse burst from the trees, snorting steam. He helped me onto the saddle, swung up behind me, and urge it forward.

The forest blurred into streaks of black and silver as we rode. My body was shaking, pain settling in as the adrenaline bled away. My leg throbbed, the bruise I could only feel on the other burning immensely.

"I never got your name." I nudged him with my arm.

He was quiet for a moment. "Link."

I blinked in surprise. It was a name I was well familiar with as was most of the kingdom. "Huh... Well, my name is (Y/n), I don't know how I can repay you for helping me."

"Don't worry about it. I do this a lot." He chuckled quietly, looking back with a charmed smile.

I winced at my head which had begun to ache followed by a spot on my torso. My body was certainly starting to feel its wounds now and exhaustion was trying to pull at my eyelids, "You wouldn't mind if I dozed off for a second... right...?" I muttered, resting my forehead on his shoulder.

He stiffened. "Don't. Not yet. We don't know how bad your injuries are so you have to stay awake." His voice was sharper now, edged with urgency that should have worried me.

I tried to heed his words, but the world was already slipping away. Voices rose as we reached the stable and I could just barely make out shouts of alarm and orders exchanged. Hands pulled at me, lifted me, and carried me while Link's voice faded into static.

Darkness swallowed me whole.

-

In a quick instant, I was waking up to the smell of cold air and wood smoke.

I blinked against the light. Above me, the ceiling was open to the sky with small windows circling the highest point of the structure. The walls were more suggestions than solid, half open to the outside. A chill breeze brushed over me, raising goosebumps on my arms.

As I tried to cover myself with the thin blanket that had been put over me, my arms felt as though they had been turned to stone, stiff and heavy. I couldn't help but to hiss in pain. Bandages wrapped around my arms and torso, fresh and tight. One leg was splinted; the other was wrapped thick around the ankle. A cast of some kind encased my thigh.

I was dressed in a loose gown, my head screaming with a fierce headache as I sat up to inspect it. I put a cold hand up to my temple, hoping to make the buzzing stop as I kicked my feet over the side of the cot.

"You're awake!"

I turned my head and found myself staring at a Rito with feathers as soft pink as a sunrise. She hurried to my side.

"Careful! You're not exactly fit to be moving right now," she said, steadying me.

My voice was dry, my voice rough. "Where... am I?"

"Rito Village." She laughed lightly, as if it should have been obvious.

My heart thudded. "How did I--"

"A man named Link brought you. You were barely holding on at the stable, so they rushed you here. You were lucky. Most don't survive Lynel attacks."

The memory slammed back into me. The horns, its roar, the steel of its blade. I pressed my hands to my face, breath shaking.

The Rito's voice softened. "You're alive. That's all that matters."

Her name was Alora, I learned. In the days that followed, she became my anchor. She explained my injuries in detail: a concussion, a sprained ankle, bruised ribs, cuts across my arms, and worst of all, a fractured femur that would keep me grounded for months.

I couldn't even remember when it had broken.

"You said you tripped right before Link appeared? That must've been the moment it broke," Alora guessed, her brow creased in thought. "But the damage is... odd. I'm surprised it isn't worse."

Three weeks crawled by before I could hobble with a crutch. By then, the village had become familiar in strange ways. Alora checked on me daily, fussing when I tried to do too much. Children flocked to me, curious about the injured heal staying among them. Their laughter chipped away at my gloom.

The first daughter I managed to climb the stairs, the sight stole my words.

The entire village spiraled around a colossal stone pillar, huts clinging to the cliffsides. Stairs wove up and around like ribbons. At the peak, silhouetted against the sky, an enormous machine perched: a bird wrought from steel and magic, wings spread wide as if it could launch into the heavens at any moment.

"Wow..."

"You're finally up!" shrill voices called.

I turned as three children ran toward me, feathers ruffled from excitement.

"(Y/n)! (Y/n)!"

Three of them ran up to me excitedly and I laughed, "Hey, kids. What's going on?"

"You're walking!" one of them cried, bouncing in place. "Come on, we'll show you around!"

Their wings flapped with barely-contained energy, and I couldn't help but crack a wide smile. "Well... I would have no one else as my guides. Where to first?"

Chapter Text

The children squealed the moment I agreed to let them show me around. Before I could even blink, they were already darting around the spiraling stairs, shouting for me to keep up. Their feathers flashed in the afternoon sun like scattered leaves, and I caught myself laughing under my breath at their impressive amount of energy. It took me longer than I'd like to admit to hobble down after them, but when I finally reached the bottom, their wide-eyed excitement was infectious.

The platform they had led me to stretched far out from the village, a broad deck of polished wood with a great blue crest painted across its center. It almost looked ceremonial. The children ran across it without hesitation, urging me to follow again, and despite my lack of mobility, I couldn't help but obey.

The further I stepped out, the stronger the wind became. A sharp, icy gust whipped against my face, stinging my nose and bringing tears to my eyes. But after being confined indoors for so long, it was exhilarating. The air tasted different up there, fresh like it had been waiting just for me.

Then I looked up.

The view was beyond breathtaking. Cliffs encircled the village like giant sentinels, they stone faces painted with streaks of green moss and soccer waterfalls. The lake bellow seemed impossibly far way, shimmering with fleck of light that looked more like stars than water. "This is incredible," I breathed, awestruck. "I bet the sunsets here are just... magnificent."

"They are," one of the little Rito chirped, tugging on my sleeve. "You have to come watch with us sometime!"

I smiled, my chest warming despite the chill of the wind. "I'll hold you to that."

Time blurred after that. We lingered on the platform, inventing little games that made me laugh harder than I had in weeks. The children were full of stories, and though many were exaggerated, one name repeated again and again--Revali. To them, he was larger than life, a champion whose skill with the bow bordered on miraculous, almost mythical. Part of me wondered how much of their words were true.

But eventually, a mother's call echoed from above, and one by one the children reluctantly packed themselves off toward their homes. I promised them I'd play again another day, and when their laughter faded up the stairways, silence settled like a blanket over the landing.

Only then did I notice how low the sun had dipped. It painted the horizon in hues fire, gold bleeding into indigo. The clouds looked as if they had been brushed with light itself, their edges glowing against the deepening sky. The lake below caught the reflection, turning into liquid glass. I couldn't move, wanting to trap the moment in my hands and never let it go.

It was the kind of place Hylians would flood to if they only knew. I chuckled at the thought of tourists swarming this fragile platform. No, perhaps it was better left hidden.

My laugher died when a voice cut through the air.

"Look out!"

I didn't process it at first, not until the rush of feathers and the beat of wings hit me like a storm. Startled, I spun, only to feel the edge of the platform vanish beneath my heel. My stomach dropped. Time seemed to have slowed down as I teetered backward over the edge, desperately grabbing for the handrails next to me.

All I saw before the deck disappeared were a pair of green eyes, wide with shock, locking onto mine.

The next heartbeat was chaos. A gust struck, feathers tangled my vision, and suddenly I wasn't falling anymore. I collided into something solid yet soft, swiftly hitting the platform again, gasping. My heart thundered so violently I thought it might tear out of my chest.

I fell. The thought looped endlessly. I fell off the edge. I could have--

Hands trembling, I raked them through my hair, fighting to steady my breathing. "I... I'm sorry," I stammered, words breaking on a shaky breath. "I didn't realize--"

"That was very dangerous." The Rito's voice cut sharp, almost a growl. He rubbed at his head with one wing, his beak drawn into a scowl. "I thought it would be obvious to not stand so close to the edge of the landing platform--let alone stand on it at all."

His tone stung and I flinched. "I'm not familiar with the village yet. The kids brought me... I didn't know it was a landing platform."

"It's painted like one," he muttered, still frowning. "Any Rito would know."

"Well, I'm not a Rito." My voice snapped sharper than I intended, adrenaline still coursing through me. "I already said I was sorry. I didn't mean to be in your way."

His blue feathers bristled before he finally exhaled, shoulders lowering. "Just don't do it again."

And with that, he kept skyward, vanishing toward the Divine Beast that loomed high above.

I stood frozen, my breath coming sharp in my chest. The rush of wind his wings left behind still whipped around me, tugging at my hair. My heart wouldn't slow down.

His arrogance burned me, but hadn't he just saved my life? The thought tangled in my chest until I couldn't tell if it was gratitude or humiliation that stung worse.

The silence pressed in and the cliffs stretched endlessly beneath me, yawning open like the jaws of some hungry beast. My crutch was gone, likely tumbling down into the abyss of water. I tried shifting my weight, but my broken leg screamed in protest, Panic prickled under my skin. How was I even supposed to get back now?

I groaned aloud, clutching the rail for balance as I hoisted myself back up. The sound echoed embarrassingly in the open air.

And then--wings again. A faint rush above me, a shadow sliding across the platform. My pulse skipped. I tensed, already bracing myself for that sharp tongue and even sharper eyes to tear into me once more.

"Need this?"

I turned. I was him again, the same blue Rito, holding my crutch. Relied surged through me, and before I could stop it, a smile broke across my face. "Holy Hylia, yes! I thought it was gone forever."

He helped me to my feet and handed it back. I glanced at the long climb ahead and mumbled, "Now I just need to get up that."

"Hop on," he said flatly, crouching in front of me.

I was mystified. "What?"

"Hop on." He shot me a sidelong glance, half impatient, half amused. "Unless you'd prefer to spend the night crawling up the stairs."

I hesitated, the sighed. "...Fair point." Wrapping my arms around his neck, I yelped as he took off, the world dropping away beneath us. Wind roared in my ears, my stomach twisting at the height, but before panic could settle, we landed light as a feather directly outside Alora's door.

I stumbled off, shaky but impressed no doubt. "Thank you," I said softly.

"It was nothing." He tipped his head with arrogant ease before launching into the air again.

I could only stare after him, baffled and a little breathless, before turning inside.

-

The next day rolled by slow and golden. Morning light spilled over the wooden walkways of Rito Village, glinting off the cliffs and warming that air. I still felt the ghost of yesterday's fall tugging at the edge of my memory, but I kept my mouth shut about it. If Alora even caught a whisper of what had happened she would lock me back in bed for another week--and I wasn't about to let that happen.

I never even got the name of the Rito who'd saved me. I was too engulfed in my own shock to begin to think about questions like that.

The walk toward the landing stretched longer than usual on my crutch. Every stair and every plank seemed to creak louder under me, as if reminding me of how fragile I still was. But eventually, I stepped onto the wide platform where the wind whipped strong and free. I wasn't alone however.

A crimson-colored Rito stood to the side, her wings folded, eyes fixed on the horizon. She looked so lost in thought that I almost hated to interrupt her.

"What're you looking at?" I asked lightly.

She jumped, feathers fluffing, before twisting toward me with a sheepish smile. "Oh! I didn't see you there. Sorry. I was just thinking about the Flight Range."

"The Flight Range?" I shaded my eyes and squinted out into the distance. All I saw were endless cliffs and sky. "All the way out there?"

She nodded. "It's where Revali practices. He spends more time there than he does here." A dreamy sigh escaped her before she caught herself, smoothing her feathers. "That's probably why the kids like him so much. He's... distant. Hard to catch."

"Distant," I echoed, tilting my head. "So not exactly good company, huh?"

She laughed softly, the sound warm and embarrassed. "Friendly isn't the first word anyone would use. He's proud that's for sure. But that's Revali for you."

We fell into easy chatter after that, though I mostly listened. She had a way of filling silences with stories: how she sometimes caught glimpses of him training, how he used to be easier to talk to, and how he changed after he began working with the princess.

"So why stick around if he's such a--well, complicated type?" I teased, arching a brow.

She pressed her beak into a wry smile. "He wasn't always like that. Underneath it, he's still a big softie."

I studied her in silence, wondering if she realized how much her voice gave her away. The warmth revealing the care and longing she felt. I still had yet to learn her name, and I already knew more than she realized she revealed.

Before I could ask, she finally introduced herself. Melany. It fit her, bright and warm. She was talkative, a little too candid, and I didn't mind.

We leaned on the railing, trading little nothings, until movement caught my eye. Something cut fast through the sky, sharper than the other birds wheeling in lazy circles.

"What kind of--" I started, narrowing my eyes.

Melany giggled, cutting me off. "Revali!" She clapped her wings together in delight.

And then he landed. Smooth, effortless, as though the wind itself bowed to him.

It took my brain several seconds to catch up to what she'd just said, and when it did, my jaw nearly hit the planks beneath us. "You're Revali!" The words burst out louder than I meant, and I slapped a hand over my mouth.

He tilted his head back, eyes gleaming with smug satisfaction. "Of course. Who else could catch a falling Hylian that quickly."

Heat burned my cheeks before I realized. Did he have to say it like that? Like saving me was just another chance to rub it in?

"What is he talking about (Y/n)?" Melany looked at me, concern shadowing her expression.

I forced a shrug, tossing out the first thing I could think of. "Can't say I've ever seen anyone fall from the village before. No clue."

She hesitated, suspicion flickering in her eyes. She didn't push thankfully.

Revali, of course, had to make the most of it. He took the time to shoot me an amused, smug grin. I responded with a glare, cheeks still warm.

Melany either didn't notice or chose to ignore it. With a burst of energy, she shoved him gently toward the edge of the landing. "Come on let's fly. It's been ages!"

"Wait--" he started, but she was already laughing, wings spread wide as she dove off the platform. With no choice, he followed, the two of them catching the wind and vanishing into the sky together.

I stood rooted where they'd left me, staring after them as their forms dwindled against the endless horizon. The way they moved stirred something hollow in my chest, aching.

An itch flared sharp and painful along my forearms. I gritted my teeth, shoving the feeling down before turning back toward the stairs.

I hurried my way up as fast as my crutch would let me, back to where I'd been staying for the past few weeks. My arms ached, my legs throbbed, but I was determined to collapse into bed and sleep the restless thoughts off.

The moment I pushed open Alora's door, though, she was already rushing at me, feathers bristling with excitement.

"It's here! It's here!" she hollered, hopping from one foot to the other.

I blinked, overwhelmed. "What? What's here?"

She darted into her room and came back cradling a small glass bottle in both wings. She thrust it toward me like a priceless treasure. My eyes caught the label before my brain could catch up: Healing Elixir.

Every ounce of exhaustion in me vanished. I nearly dropped my crutch in my scramble to take it from her. "You're serious?" My words tangled into an incoherent squeal that matched hers.

The bottle was warm to the touch, the liquid inside shimmering faintly like melted sunlight. When I uncorked it, the smell was sharp and herbal, tinged with something sweet, almost like crushed berries.

I didn't even hesitate, raising it to my lips and drinking it down in one gulp.

The effect was instant. A spreading heat bloomed from my stomach outward, rushing through my arms and curling around my legs. My injured ankle burned, then tingled, then slowly relaxed as the swelling seemed to melt away under my skin.

I gasped, bracing myself on the table as the warmth settled deep into my bones. The bruises along my arms faded, the throbbing ache dulled, and then I dared to test it, my leg actually held.

"I--I can walk," I whispered. Carefully I put my foot down and shifted my weight. Not perfect, not painless, but so much lighter than before. I took a slow, carful step, followed by another. "Alora I can walk! No more crawling, no more hobbling around--" I laughed, half-sob, half-hysteria.

Aloras whole body seemed to sag in relief. "I'm so glad it worked. I was afraid it might not have been strong enough. Your leg was bad, worse than I was willing to admit." she caught my arm gently, steadying me as I turned too fast. "Listen," her tone was firm, "the potion hasn't healed it completely. You can put weight on it, yes, but don't overdo it. No running, no climbing, nothing reckless. Promise me."

I nodded quickly, though I couldn't stop stretching my leg, rolling my ankle, testing the newfound freedom. "I'll be careful," I said with a grin. and she narrowed her eyes in a way that told me she didn't believe me.

Still, she let me revel in it. I stretched once more before collapsing into the nearest chair, face aching from how hard I was smiling. For the first time since the accident, I felt like myself again.

"Now, about dinner..." Alora muttered, already turning toward her baskets. :We'll need something hearty. I should go and find us a radish."

"I'll go," I blurted.

She froze, then swirled toward me with a look that could have pinned a bokoblin to the wall. "Absolutely not."

"Alora, come on. Please. I've been stuck inside for so long. I just got my legs back, and I want to use them. I promise I won't overdo it."

She frowned, wings fidgeting as she wrestled with herself. It took several minutes of back-and-forth, her scolding me and begging, before she finally sighed in defeat.

"Fine. But slow and careful."

"Yes, yes, carful, slow--I'll behave," I said, already reaching for my bow and blade. The weight go them at my side felt grounding reassuring. My leg still hummed fairly where the worst of the break had been, but I didn't care. I was walking again and the world had never felt wider.

The sun was beginning its slow decent as I made my way toward the stable. My leg still protested slightly, but the warmth of the healing elixir from earlier made each step manageable. I kept my bow slung across my back [blade of choice] at my side, and my crutch under one arm, determined not to let my injuries slow me down any longer. It felt incredible just to walk without wobbling.

Beedle's stall was right where I expected, tucked along the east edge of the stable, brightly colored banners fluttering in the wind. I could see his familiar grin before I even reached the counter. "Beedle! I need a hearty radish," I called out, hopeful.

Beedle's smile faltered slightly. "Sorry, my friend," he said, scratching the back of his head, "all out. Sold the last batch just this morning." His voice carried that same cheery tone, but I could tell he wasn't hiding any disappointment at being out of stock.

I groaned and looked around, weighing my options. The woods beyond the stable stretched dark and dense, the same path I had taken--almost fatally--weeks ago. I hesitated at the edge, letting the shadows creep over my feet. Really? After all that, I have to go back in there?

Taking a deep breath, I squared my shoulders and stepped forward. The trees loomed overhead, twisting into shadows that danced with the fading light. My footfalls crunched softly on fallen leaves, the sound strangely loud. I scanned the ground carefully, remembering that radishes usually grew near the bases of trees. 

Time seemed to warp as I moved deeper. The forest smelled damp and earthy, and the faint chirping of birds above gave a sense of life, almost mocking my nervousness. I focused on the bases of every trunk I passed, bending and kneeling where necessary. 

There was nothing yet but still, the task didn't seem impossible. The forest was vast, but radishes were bound to turn up if I just kept at it. I straighten with a huff.

This will be quick and easy, I told myself, pushing deeper into the trees.

Chapter Text

I was lost. Completely, entirely, and hopelessly lost.

The forest pressed in on all sides, towering trunks blotting out the moonlight. My breaths came shallow and uneven, every step swallowed by damp leaves. Hours had passed since I started searching, and still no sign of a single hearty radish. Now the sun was gone, replaced by a suffocating blanket of darkness. I kept walking anyway, clinging to the vague idea that I was heading in the right direction--though doubt chewed at me with every step.

"It's as if the woods are trying to get me killed." I spoke under my breath, finally slumping down at the base of a massive pine. Its roots jutted up from the ground, curling like great arms to form a sheltered alcove. It wasn't much, but it gave the illusion of protection, and I needed that.

I buried my face in my hands. "I jinxed myself saying this would be easy." My voice shook, a mix of grumbling and despair.

The idea of climbing a tree had occurred to me earlier, but the branches overhead were too thick, the night too dark. I had no chance of making it to the top without tumbling back down. So I resolved to wait. If I was still here by morning, I'd try again in daylight.

Deep in thought, a jolt of pain ran through my right arm and I sighed. Right... I had completely forgotten.

My fingers moved to the wraps encasing my forearms. Slowly, I unwrapped them, the fabric pulling against dried sweat. Beneath, I saw it--the unmistakable shimmer of tiny [color] feathers pushing stubbornly through the skin along my forearms. My throat tightened.

No. Not now.

Hesitantly, I pinched one of the feathers with trembling hands and drew in a deep breath. As I exhaled, I pulled. A hot sting shot through my arm, followed by another as I grabbed the next, and the next. Tears pricked at my eyes, but I didn't stop. One bone, Plucked then out untie the ground around me was littered with feathers, the dirt marked by droplets of blood.

By the time I was finished, my arms were throbbing and my hands slick. Blood pooled at my fingertips, soaking into the soil beneath me. My vision blurred, and I realized too late that tears were streaming freely down my face. I normally had to endure this only once every few months. Lately, though, the feathers were growing back faster and faster, as if determined to betray me.

"Good thing I'm lost in the woods," I whispered bitterly, hastily wrapping my arms again. No one would be able to trace this back to me.

I tied the bandages tight, praying the blood wouldn't seep through. My arms burned as I rubbed them, trying in vain to dull the sting. That's when I heard it, rustling in the nearby foliage.

My head snapped up.

The sound was close, too close. Leaves shifted, brush crackled. My pulse spiked and my breath caught in my throat. My arms trembled as I scrambled upright. ignoring the sharp protest of my injuries. With shaking hands, I pulled my bow free, notching an arrow and raising it toward the noise.

My bandages were already darkening, blood seeping through. Panic set in as I thought about Alora seeing. She'll know. But I couldn't afford that thought now. I had bigger things to fear.

Not again, I begged silently. Please, not again.

The rustling grew louder. The shadows moved. Memories of the Lynel attack pressed into me. I had barely survived that fight, and only because someone else had stepped in. This time, there would be no one to save me.

And then through the dark, a silhouette emerged. Broad wings and a tall, slender frame.

"...Revali?" My voice cracked. Relief hit me so suddenly my knees nearly gave out. I lowered the bow, clutching it tight just to stay upright. I had been certain I was about to die.

The Rito champion stepped into view, feathers catching what little light filtered through the canopy. His sharp gaze was fixed on me, calm and unwavering for the current circumstances.

"What are you doing here?" I breathed, my shoulders dropping.

"Looking for you," he replied simply. "Alora came to me, practically frantic because you had been gone so long." 

Guilt twisted in my stomach. I bit my lip, already imagining Alora's face. "She won't let me out of the village again after this... How did you even find me?" 

There's no possible way he saw me from above and through the canopy of the trees. The Rito are known to have fairly poor eyesight in the dark.

"I'm the champion of the Rito. I could find a restless cricket in a sea of Hylian wheat with my eyes closed." He puffed his chest.

I just stared at him, deadpan. Really? Even now? He held my gaze, clearly pleased with himself.

Before I could retort, a shriek tore through the night.

The sound was sharp, violent, echoing across the trees. My stomach sank. Out of the foliage lunged a white bokoblin, its eyes glowing, teeth bared.

Revali's bow was ready in his wings in an instant, as was mine. Before I could release, another creature broke through the brush behind us.

"How well-versed are you with that bow?" he asked, his voice maddeningly calm.

"I've had my fair share of fights." 

"Good. I'm sure you're aware I'm at a disadvantage right now. Don't disappoint me." 

Then he was moving. A blur of blue feathers, arrows flying with precision I could hardly follow.

I turned my focus to the second bokoblin. My hands fumbled, but I loosed arrow after arrow. Most bounced uselessly against its hide. It was closing in fast, and I was running out of shafts. My heart pounded. Come on. Don't freeze. Not again.

White bokoblins were infamous. Their skin was like stone. Only perfect shots could pierce it, and I wasn't perfect.

Panic clawed at me as the monster barreled closer. Desperate, I dropped my bow and drew my [blade of choice], lunging forward. The bokoblin's claws slashed wide--I ducked, barely avoiding the blow. I slashed, parried, dodged again, every movement fueled by fear more than skill. Finally, with a scream of effort, I drove my blade into its weak point.

The creature fell.

But not before its claws raked across my arm. Right where I had plucked the feathers.

Pain exploded down my arm like fire, white-hot and searing. I choked on a cry, clutching the wound as blood gushed through the already-soaked bandages. My blade slipped from my grasp.

The forest went silent. Both bokoblins lay still. My breath came ragged, my vision blurred. I staggered, barely keeping myself upright. The pain in my arm eclipsed everything else, sparking and stabbing like a shock arrow pressed directly to the skin.

"Not bad," Revali's voice broke through the haze. He strode toward me, a strip of cloth in his wing. His expression remained composed, almost impressed. "Get that wound wrapped before we go."

I snatched the cloth from him, refusing help, and hastily bound the gash. "Thanks," I muttered, tying it off with fumbling fingers.

But then--howls.

Dozens of them, echoing from the shadows. The underbrush rattled, heavy steps shaking the ground. My blood ran cold.

"Let's not waste any more time here." Revali crouched low, wings ready. I climbed onto his back, barely securing my hold before he launched upward.

The forest fell away beneath us, replaced by the vast night sky. Wind tore past me in icy gusts, biting through my clothes. "I-It's so c-cold!" I stammered, shivering violently. "Doesn't this affect you?"

"Of course not. I reside where Vah Medoh roosts--higher than the village, colder than this." His words carried easily over the wind.

I tucked my face into his feathers, teeth chattering, but my eyes stayed open. Below, the earth was dotted with faint specks of firelight—villages, travelers, lives I might never touch. Above us loomed the mighty shape of Vah Medoh itself, its glowing eyes burning blue against the stars.

We flew in silence, save for the rush of the wind. My body ached. My mind was tired. Still, I couldn't help but ask, "So... what does a champion even do?"

Revali tilted his head back, incredulous. "What kind of question is that?"

I laughed weakly. "Oh, you know. Fight monsters? Report to the king? Spa days with the princess and her knight?"

He scoffed, his feathers ruffling. "Plenty of things that don't involve that knight."

I caught the edge in his voice but didn't push. I was too drained.

At last, the familiar glow of Rito Village appeared ahead. My stomach twisted with dread at the thought of Alora.

"She's going to lose it when she sees me like this again," I murmured.

"Maybe that's the lesson," Revali said dryly.

"And what lesson would that be?"

"To stop getting yourself into trouble."

Heat crept into my cheeks. "Okay, falling off the landing wasn't exactly my fault."

"And I wasn't the reason you were in my way," he countered smoothly.

I sighed. "Fine. Let's agree to disagree."

Silence followed, softer this time. Peaceful, almost.

When the village came into view, Revali dove without warning. The world tilted, wind screaming in my ears until we leveled out above the landing. There, pacing frantically, was Alora.

The moment she saw us, her entire body sagged with relief. "(Y/n)!" she cried, rushing over as Revali touched down. She ran her wings over me, eyes darting across my bandages. "I was so worried! I knew it was a bad idea to let you go on your own. And you're hurt!"

I tried to wave her off, laughing nervously. "I'm fine! Compared to the Lynel, this is just a scratch--"

Her words cut me off, but it was Revali's expression that froze me. His eyes widened. "A Lynel?"

I winced. "...Yeah."

Alora answered for me, her voice grim. "Barely escaped alive. Broken leg, sprained ankle, gashes, concussion--you name it."

Revali's sharp gaze never left me as we made our way to her home. His astonishment was plain, though unreadable beneath it.

I looked away, suddenly very small. "I was going to take the shot, I froze yada yada, next thing I knew, it was behind me. I got lucky someone was there."

The champion studied me for a long moment. He didn't say anything.

Alora finished tending to my arm and set food before us, explaining our lack of healers and supplies. Revali listened quietly, wings folded, his sharp eyes drifting between us.

At last, he rose. "It's late. Rest. Both of you."

I stood too, following him to the doorway. "Thank you," I said softly, rubbing the back of my neck. "Really. I'd still be wandering if you hadn't found me."

"Then next time, don't wander alone," he replied. His tone was not unkind, bur firm. He turned, wings spreading, but glanced back once. "And... thank you for dinner."

I smiled faintly, watching him soar into the night sky, up toward the shadow of Vah Medoh.

Alora came to my side, her wing brushing my shoulder. "Hey," she said quietly. "Can we talk?"

Chapter Text

"Hey, can we talk?" Alora's voice was softer than usual, carrying an unease that instantly set me on edge.

"Sure. Is something wrong?" Her apprehensiveness rubbed off on me. She shook her head quickly, though the way her feathers shifted betrayed her nerves. We stepped inside and sat down, silence stretching between us.

"I was just wondering about your arm." Her gaze flicked toward me, cautious. "This might sound strange--crazy, even--but... are you hiding something?"

My heart skipped. She knew. Or at least, she'd seen enough to start asking questions. My mind raced. Do I lie? Do I tell her? My fingers twitched in my lap as I weighed it, and finally I exhaled.

"Well..." I faltered, words choking on my tongue. "We all have our secrets." Coward. I couldn't do it. Not yet. "Tell me what you saw, just to be sure we're on the same page." My voice wavered, but I forced it steady.

"I saw--" she hesitated, feathers puffing slightly with her embarrassment "--I swear I'm not imagining this, but I thought I saw... feather follicles?" Her shoulders hunched toward her ears. "I know it sounds impossible, but I've never seen anything like it. And I don't think I could've mistaken it."

Heat pricked at the back of my neck. My laugh came out strained. "F-feather follicles? Are you sure?"

She nodded, and my palms grew slick.

"I..." I chewed my lip, scrambling for something, anything. "When I was younger, I had a condition. It left a lot of scarring on my arms. As I grew, they started to look... strange." My hand went to my neck, rubbing it awkwardly as if I could knead the lie into something more believable. "I used to get bullied for it, so I started wrapping them. It cleared up with age, but the scars remained."

Alora tapped a feather to her beak, frowning in thought, as though she was trying to piece together what kind of childhood illness could leave scars like mine. Desperate, I kept talking. "I know it sounds odd, but it's nothing dangerous. Just old marks."

Finally, she sighed, her expression softening. "I'm sorry for prying. I shouldn't have asked."

Relief loosened the tight coil in my chest, and I forced a small smile. "It's alright. You were curious. I get it."

She excused herself for the night, leaving me alone.

The moment my bedroom door closed behind me, my hands trembled. My heart thudded painfully in my chest, and sweat dampened my temples. I wiped it away with a towel, changed into fresh clothes, and slipped back outside.

The night air cooled my flushed skin, but the weight in my chest refused to lift. Suspicion--her suspicion--now hovered between us, invisible but suffocating. I paced the quiet village, the crickets my only companions. The wind combed through my hair as Vah Medoh shifted in the distance, its gears turning with a heavy groan that carried through the night. The sound should have unsettled me, but it was strangely grounding. At least someone--or something--was awake.

Revali must be up there.

A shiver rippled through me as a colder gust swept the village. I hugged myself against the chill and finally returned to Alora's home, crawling into bed though my mind refused to still.

-

Two mornings later, we were both startled awake by a knock. Alora reached the door before I had managed half my hair into place. I caught the sound of a man's voice, steady, and composed.

When I shuffled into the main room, there he was: Revali, box in wing, the smell of breakfast wafting from Alora's kitchen.

"Revali? What brings you here?" I asked, leaning on my crutch. My leg had relapsed after the forest ordeal, forcing me back to hobbling.

He handed the box to Alora, already turning to leave. "Just thought I'd drop this off before heading to the Flight Range. Don't think anything of it."

And with that, he was gone.

Alora and I exchanged baffled looks before bursting into laughter at each other's expressions. She opened the box, her gasp drawing me in. My breath caught.

Six bottles, neatly lined, each labeled Healing Elixir.

"Hylia above," Alora's voice trembled as she lifted one, turning it over as if to test if it was real. "They're genuine." Her eyes snapped to mine, alight with excitement. "Do you know what this means?"

All I could do was nod, still stunned. She pressed a bottle into my hands, and I didn't hesitate. Warmth spread through me as I downed it, the ache in my leg easing until I felt nearly whole again.

"I can't believe him," I breathed, giddy, dancing in place on both legs while Alora scolded me to take it slow.

"You'll still need to be careful," she warned, smiling as she handed me breakfast. "But we should thank him. Properly. That's no small gift."

"I agree," I said quickly, though my mind spun. "But... how? I hardly know anything about him." Heat rushed to my cheeks. "Other than the fact that he's saved me twice."

Alora chuckled. "Most Rito wouldn't turn down a good meal. Try that."

I nodded. A meal? I could work with that.

-

I spent the next few days perfecting a couple of dishes commonly liked among the Rito. My leg was finally fully healed along with my other injuries and I settled on making the champion a plate of hearty meaty rice balls. They're great to eat, simple, filling, and are fairly easy to make. I have yet to meet anyone who's tried and disliked them.

The real problem was finding him. It had been days since I had last seen him.

"No luck." I sighed as I walked in.

"I'm sorry. He does this often." Alora said gently, her eyes flicking to my arms as I scratched absently. "What's going on there?"

"Just an itch," I said too quickly, retreating toward my room.

"Let me check it. I don't want anything getting infected." She tried reaching for my arm, but I pulled back swiftly.

"It's fine, really. I don't want to make you do more than you need to and I promise," I put a hand over my chest, "I will let you know if something's wrong."

Alora only looked at me for a moment, nodding slowly, "Alright. But if you're hiding something serious, I'll drag it out of you." She placed her wings on her hips and chuckled, "Just know that I'm here for you. You can trust me with anything on your mind."

I forced a  smiled at her words, "Thank you." Though what she said was probably true, I just couldn't take my chances.

As I turned to go to my room, one of the kids ran in unannounced, "Revali is back! (Y/n), Revali is back!" 

I looked to Alora, all thoughts of my arms gone. Together we hurried to prepare the rice balls, boxing them neatly before I raced down to find him.

But the children met me first, gathering in a guilt circle.

They all gave me a saddened, nervous glance and one of them spoke up, "We were only able to stop Revali for so long."

I chuckled at their little saddened expressions, "That's alright. I'll catch him next time." I crouched down and patted their heads, their eyes lifting, "Do you know where he went off to?"

They nodded and pointed skyward, "He went up there." 

Of course.

I gave them each a rice ball as thanks before dragging myself back up the village steps. As I stepped inside, Alora knew what I was thinking the second I opened my mouth. 

"No," she said flatly.

"You don't even know what I was going to--"

"Yes, I do. And I'm not flying you up there."

"Why not? Is there something stopping you?" My head tilted in curiosity.

"Revali does not take kindly to others getting close to the Divine Beast. Something about it being a safety risk." She spoke as she tidied up around the room. I groaned, resigned, but the thought gnawed at me.

That evening, the itch returned worse than ever. I unwrapped my arm to find the feathers had grown longer, bristling and tender. The healing elixirs must have accelerated them. I couldn't let them stay. 

Glancing out of the widow, I could see the sun completing its daily cycle. Nightfall had made itself comfortable over the village.

I slipped into looser clothes--a short cloak of Highland sheep wool that fell just above my hips, its coarse weave thick and warm against the night air. Beneath it, I chose a simple, flowing dress, nothing I would normally wear but easy to move in and even easier to cover with. 

I eased the door shut behind me, pausing to make sure Alora hadn't stirred. Her house was quiet, the only sound the faint rustle of feathers as she shifted in her sleep. My heart pounded anyway, as if each beat might give me away.

Down the narrow stairs I crept, boots whispering against the wood. The bridges stretched before me, swaying faintly with the wind. I gripped the rope rail tighter than I meant to and crossed carefully, the gusts biting at my cloak and threatening to shove me too close to the edge. Only once I reached solid ground did I let myself exhale, shoulders unclenching.

The stable lights glimmered not far ahead, spilling warmth and laughter into the night. Music drifted from the band gathered there, the notes thin and distant on the wind. I turned away from it, searching out the shadows, until I found a quiet corner tucked between two broad trees. There, at last, I sank to the ground, knees folding beneath me.

The cover was good. Thick branches overhead, stable far enough away that the chatter was only a dull murmur. I unwrapped my arms slowly, careful not to catch the fabric, until pale skin marred with dark follicles caught the moonlight. The sight made my palms clammy. They'd grown longer than I had ever let them before, soft quills sprouting in uneven rows.

The longer length should make it easier, I told myself. Fewer pieces to miss. I flexed my fingers, then pinched one feather between my nails and pulled.

White-hot pain flared instantly, sharper than I remembered. I clamped a hand over my mouth to smother the sound that tore from my throat. My breath came fast, shallow, and sweat prickled along my temple. I forced myself to steady, to keep going.

One by one. That was the only way now. No quick clusters to rip free. Just me and the endless rhythm of pluck, burn, and bite down the cry. My shoulders shook with the effort, and tears blurred my vision, but I didn't stop. I couldn't.

By the time I finished, my arms throbbed. Tiny pools of blood welled from each follicle, gathering at my fingertips until they dripped into the dirt. I scraped shallow holes with my hands, burying the feathers where no one would ever find them, smearing blood into the soil until it disappeared into the earth.

When it was done, I sat back on my heels, chest heaving. My arms were a ruin of angry red spots, slick beneath my palms as I rewrapped them with shaking hands. Too tight, maybe, but tight enough to hide.

I pulled my cloak around me, hugging it close to keep the stains concealed. The wool scratched against my skin, but I welcomed the sting--it kept me grounded. With one last glance at the stable lights, I turned and hurried across the bridges, the music fading behind me as I made for the safety of the village.

"Out again?"

The voice behind me froze me where I stood. My blood turned cold even as the air around me seemed to grow stiflingly hot.

I spun on my heel, arms pulling tighter around myself like a shield. "R–Revali!" My voice cracked with nerves. "What are you doing out here?"

He stood a few paces away, feathers catching the faint lantern light from the stable, his sharp eyes fixed on me with curiosity. "Patrolling," he said evenly. "What are you doing out here?"

My mouth went dry. How was I supposed to explain this? I had been so close to sneaking back to bed unnoticed.

"You did tell me to learn the land," I stammered, shifting my weight from one foot to the other. "I finally found a moment to myself, so I thought..." My words trailed off. My palms had continued to sweat, and I wiped them on the fabric of my dress.

Revali, being Revali, said nothing. He just... watched me. Long enough that the silence started clawing at my nerves. I flicked my gaze everywhere but him—the dirt at my feet, the swaying bridges behind, even the stable across the way where Beedle was still hawking his wares to a half-dozing traveler. Anything to avoid those eyes drilling into me.

The silence strangled me. I forced a thin smile. "Do you need anything?" My fingers fumbled through my hair, brushing loose strands from my face as I glanced back at him.

His eyes weren't on my face. They were locked on my arm.

My stomach dropped. He'd noticed something.

Heart hammering, I quickly tucked my arm back beneath the safety of my cloak, heat rushing to my cheeks. My skin prickled under the weight of his stare, sweat forming at my temple. I cleared my throat, desperate for him to break this unbearable tension, to say anything that would anchor me back to normalcy.

But when he spoke, it was worse.

"Are you sure all you were doing was 'learning the land'?"

The casual suspicion in his voice cut deeper than any accusation could.

"I'm sure, Revali." My reply was quick, brittle. I forced myself to meet his gaze for a fleeting second before looking away again, throat tight. "I'm sure," I repeated, softer.

I shifted my feet, then slowly turned on my heel, the cloak brushing against my legs. "I'm... going to go now." My words tumbled out in a rush, my pace quickening toward the village. "Goodnight, Revali."

Even as I crossed the bridges, I could feel his eyes burning into my back.

"Don't fall again," his voice carried after me, cool and unhurried. "The wind is especially bad where the bridges sit."

I risked a glance over my shoulder. His silhouette rose against the moonlight, wings spread wide as he took to the air. He didn't fly away at once, climbing slowly, in measured arcs, heading toward Vah Medoh. 

By the time I reached the village, the sky above was empty. I scanned for him anyway, but he was gone. I let out a breath, shaking my head at the sheer horrible awkwardness of it all. Then, as quietly as I could, I slipped back into Alora's house and into bed.

Changing into my nightclothes, I lay back against the sheets, thoughts spiraling. Damn it. I'd completely forgotten to ask where he'd be tomorrow so I could give him my thank-you gift, assuming I could even face him after... that. I let out a low laugh at the absurdity of it, only for the sound to die quickly as the memory of his stare came back sharp and vivid. He'd seen my arm. He wasn't fooled.

I groaned quietly, pressing my palms to my face. What was I going to do now? Maybe I could pretend it hadn't happened. Yes. That was safest. It wasn't as though I'd committed a crime. Just an embarrassing, unexplainable thing. Better to move past it, act like it never occurred.

I nodded to myself at the thought, clinging to it, and tried to steer my mind toward the thank-you gift again. Alora had said he didn't like others going up there. But had she meant Rito specifically, since they made up most of the village? What about a Hylian? Would that distinction matter to him?

I bit my lip, brows furrowed.

No. If he wasn't going to come down... then there was only one choice.

I was going to have to go up.

Chapter Text

 I drew in a long breath, staring up at the towering pillar of stone that held Vah Medoh aloft. The thing rose into the clouds like it was daring me to try, its sheer face catching the faintest glimmer of moonlight. I knew this was reckless--borderline idiotic--but if I didn't do it now, who knows when I would. At some point, I was going to try and climb this monstrosity, and today felt right.

Slipping out around four in the morning, I packed what little I thought I'd need: some food, water, and the warmest clothes I owned. The straps of my 'borrowed' paraglider pressed against my shoulders as I adjusted my pack, double-checking everything before stepping toward the stone face. My plan was to reach the top by sunrise--right around six. Two hours. If I could keep moving, maybe I'd make it.

The first handhold nearly cost me my confidence. The rock was slick with dew, and my gloves barely found enough friction to dig in. There weren't many good grips, but thankfully, ledges jutted out here and there, promising small mercies along the way. My fingers ached almost immediately, the thin leather of my gloves doing little to cushion the strain, but I pushed on, refusing to look down. The thought of seeing how high I already was made my stomach twist.

Time slipped away without me noticing. My world narrowed to stone beneath my hands, to the pull in my shoulders, and the careful placement of each boot. Only when the horizon began to glow did I dare pause. I dragged myself onto a ledge, gasping and shaking, my muscles burning like they'd been hollowed out. For a moment, I just sat there, chest heaving, staring as the sky shifted from navy to a delicate wash of pink. It was breathtaking--so much so that for a few minutes, I almost forgot the pain. I chewed through half a ration as I rested, feeling strength slowly return to my arms and legs.

When I finally stood again, the wind bit sharper, and the climb turned crueler. The air grew colder with every pull upward, my sweat freezing against my skin. My ears stung, my nose had gone numb, and the chill seeped deep into my bones. Worst of all, the path ahead loomed at a near-impossible angle. The pillar tilted so sharply it felt like I'd be climbing upside down. My determination cracked for the first time. Could I actually do this?

Each new grip left my hands trembling harder, and my stamina drained quicker than before. Panic fluttered in my chest with every slip, and my breaths came ragged. "Don't look down. Just keep moving. You're almost there." I repeated the words like a lifeline, gritting my teeth as I hauled myself higher.

By the time the top came into sight, my body felt like it was ready to betray me. My arms screamed, my legs shook violently, but I refused to stop. I dragged myself across the final stretch of stone, the sky bursting wide above me as I neared the edge. "Yes," I breathed, face twisted with effort. "It's right there."

Then, as the rock jutted outward, the entire pillar seemed to fall away and the village disappeared from sight.

"What are you doing?"

The sudden voice sliced through the air, sharp and cold. My entire body jolted in shock, my boots slipping against the stone. The world dropped out beneath me, and for one terrifying heartbeat, I dangled high above the ground with nothing but my fingers keeping me alive. My grip was weak, raw from the climb, and every muscle screamed in protest. If I fell now, I wouldn't recover.

Against my better judgment, I looked down. The ground spun so far below that my stomach lurched, and I thought my soul might abandon me right then and there. I forced my gaze back up, locking on the figure perched above me--the blue feathers with those same piercing eyes.

"Revali...!" My voice cracked, breathless. That single name was all I could manage, though the plea in my eyes begged for him to help. My fingers slipped another inch. My arms were shaking too hard. I couldn't hold on anymore.

The rock tore at my gloves as my hands gave way, and I slid down the surface in a desperate scramble, trying to catch anything that would save me. Nothing. I was falling.

Then something seized my arm with unyielding strength, jerking me to a halt. My shoulder screamed, but before I could register what happened, I was hauled upward and flung onto solid ground. I lay there stunned, lungs burning, wide eyes locked on the trembling stone beneath me.

"Do you not have any sense?" Revali's voice lashed over me, disdain dripping from every syllable. "Do you realize what you could have done?"

Silence stretched between us, broken only by the ragged sound of my breathing. My mind spun, still catching up with what just happened. He stood above me like a storm ready to strike again. Finally, he muttered, almost to himself, "Why am I even bothering?" He turned to leave.

"Wait don't go yet!" I managed to gasp, forcing myself upright despite the ache in my arms. My chest heaved as I spoke, "I didn't climb all this way just for fun."

He turned back, feathers ruffling in irritation. His sharp eyes pinned me down, and for a moment I regretted stopping him at all.

I dug quickly through my pack, fingers trembling as I searched until I pulled out a small insulated box, still warm against my palms. I held it out to him. "I know this was reckless--stupid, even. But you've been gone for days, and I forgot to ask last night if you could stop by Alora's. I wanted you to have this."

Revali blinked at the offering as though it was some kind of insult. "You climbed all the way up here... to give me a box?" His tone was flat, incredulous, like I had just handed him a pebble.

I coughed, still fighting for breath, and tried to smile despite my embarrassment. "Yes."

He opened the container, and steam curled upward into the cold air. The faintest flicker crossed his expression--something unguarded, hungry. My lips twitched with a suppressed laugh. He must not have eaten properly in a while. The way he stared at the food with his wings cradling the box was almost endearing.

He snapped the lid shut and turned away quickly. "That was very reckless of you."

I shrugged lightly, managing a half-smile. "Well, I'm here, so--"

"So you could have gotten yourself killed." His retort cut through mine, sharp enough to silence me. His feathers bristled as he stepped closer, his eyes burning into mine. "Imagine if I hadn't been there to catch you."

"I had a paraglider," I shot back. "I would've been fine."

"No, you wouldn't have." His voice was low and firm, every word a blow. "You're trembling. You can barely stand. You would never have had the strength left to hold yourself aloft."

I glared, crossing my arms over my chest even though they ached. "Well, I didn't die. I just wanted to thank you--for everything you've done."

"You don't need to thank me. It's my duty."

"I know that," I insisted, stepping toward him. "But I still want to thank you."

Our stares locked, unyielding, as though we were speaking some silent argument neither of us was willing to surrender. I don't know how long we stood there before Vah Medoh broke the tension with a thunderous cry. The ground trembled beneath us, and my gaze shot to the Divine Beast towering nearby.

Revali groaned, pressing a wingtip to his temple. "It seems to have a mind of its own sometimes."

"You don't say..." My voice trailed off as awe overtook me. For a moment, I forgot our quarrel entirely. Seeing it up close was overwhelming. I stepped past him, eyes wide, heart racing with excitement. "It's incredible."

Revali's pride softened his usual sharpness as he looked at the machine. "You should see the inside."

It was like he'd been waiting for an excuse to show it off. And when he did, the argument between us melted away as though it never existed.

The moment I stepped inside, I was speechless. Vast windows opened the view across all of Hyrule, and winding walkways stretched through wings and body alike. The air felt alive with power. My boots echoed as I ran forward, giddy.

"I can't believe I'm standing inside Vah Medoh!" My voice rang with unconfined excitement.

Revali stepped past me without a word, his talons clicking lightly against the metal floor as he settled near one of the wide, open windows. I hesitated a moment before following, my eyes wandering over every arch and panel of the Divine Beast as though I'd miss something if I blinked. When I finally sat beside him, he opened the container I had given him earlier and, with little ceremony, began to eat.

"I think this might be the best way to see Hyrule," I said softly, pulling my own small meal from my pack. "Thank you for allowing me to see this."

He gave no response, though I caught the faint twitch of a feather at my words. We ate in a rare peace, small comments slipping between bites. To my surprise, the earlier sharpness between us seemed to fade, replaced with something almost comfortable.   

Bit by bit, I learned things about him. He had no permanent place in the village anymore--this Divine Beast and the flight range had become his home. He had no family to return to, no one waiting for him down below, and so he claimed he had no reason to linger among the others.

"Well, if you're ever craving a fresh meal, you could stop by Alora's," I said with a laugh. "She's always trying to feed someone new." My tone softened as I added, "I should probably figure out what I'm going to do now that I'm healed. Thank you for bringing those elixirs, by the way."

My eyes flicked toward him, but he remained fixed on the horizon, jaw tight, gaze unreadable.

"I think I might stay in Rito Village," I tried, leaning toward him with mock playfulness. "Any thoughts?"

His head tilted just slightly, his feathers puffing the barest bit in irritation. "So I can deal with more of your nonsense? Hardly." His scoff carried more lightness than malice, though I couldn't be sure.

I huffed and reached for my pack again. My fingers brushed against the buckle, and before I could stop it, one of my bandages snagged and tore loose. "Ahh—damn it," I muttered under my breath, fumbling to cover the exposed arm. The skin beneath was still raw from the night before, red and uneven.

Revali's sharp eyes caught the slip instantly. "Still injured, or did you hurt yourself climbing?"

"It's nothing." My laugh came out thin. I yanked at the bandage, trying to cover what he'd seen. "Don't worry about it."

"Did you even take the elixirs? I didn't bring them for decoration." His voice carried that cutting edge again, though it was quieter this time, almost concerned.

"I did. I wouldn't have made the climb if my leg was still broken." My voice rose in defense, the panic rising in my chest giving me away. I should've lied. Should've said it was from the climb. Stupid.

"I'm not talking about your leg." He rose to his feet, feathers shifting as he approached. I scrambled back instinctively, heart pounding, which only made it worse. "I saw your arm last night. And I know I saw fresh blood."

"I told you--it's nothing." My voice wavered.

"Show me." The demand left no room for argument.

"I don't have to show you anything." I tied the bandage hastily, slung my bag over my shoulder, and stood. "I'm leaving." My boots clicked fast against the floor, adrenaline surging. But when I leapt toward the exit, he swooped ahead of me, landing in my path.

"Move." I pressed my palms against his chest to shove past, but he didn't budge an inch.

"Then tell me what you were doing last night." His feathers rose slightly as he stepped closer, his shadow falling over me. "If you run, remember this--you'd be against the best archer in all of Hyrule. Do you really think you'd get far?"

I swallowed hard, forcing my expression into something casual. "Now you're making me sound like a criminal."

He angled me back, away from the edge. My pulse pounded in my ears as I stopped, heat rising in my face. With reluctant fingers, I tugged at the messy bandage, pausing just before unwrapping it. "You're not going to let me go until I do?"

He gave a small, deliberate nod.

I peeled the cloth away with trembling hands. Relief hit me when I saw that most of the feathers were gone, leaving behind rough patches of skin that could pass for old scars. A few scabs still dotted my forearm, but nothing as damning as last night. I exhaled, shoulders sagging. "See? Nothing."

His eyes narrowed, wings crossing firmly over his chest. "You and I both know that's not true."

My stomach twisted. "And maybe it isn't," I snapped, pacing away from him with a hand pressed hard through my hair. "But it's not yours to know."

I bit my tongue before I could say more, wrapping the bandage back around my arm in jerky motions. Bag slung tight against my shoulder, I bolted toward the open ramp.

This time, he didn't stop me.

I leapt out from the side of the Divine Beast, the wind rushing in a freezing torrent as I snapped my paraglider open. The fabric strained against the air, catching me before the fall could. My teeth clenched as I rode the currents down, heart still hammering, until Alora's home came into view below.

I didn't look back.

Chapter Text

I descended toward Alora's home as quickly as my paraglider would carry me, heart hammering with every gust of wind. My landing was clumsy, boots hitting the wooden porch with a sharp thud before I pushed through the front door without knocking.

Alora was sitting at her small table near the kitchen, her feathers catching the glow of the lantern light. She startled when she saw me, her golden eyes instantly narrowing in concern.

"(Y/n)? What's going on?" She rose at once, crossing the room in a few long strides.

My throat locked up. I couldn't answer, couldn't even form words. All I wanted was to slip past her, retreat to the safety of my room, and disappear. But she stepped in front of me, her presence gentle but firm.

"(Y/n), you need to tell me what's wrong." Her voice softened as her hands came to rest lightly on my shoulders, turning me toward her.

I refused to meet her gaze. My eyes burned as tears welled up and blurred the floorboards beneath me. The harder I tried to swallow it down, the faster it all unraveled. My lips trembled, tugging down into a broken frown, and before I could stop it, sobs tore free from my chest.

"Oh, darling..." Alora breathed, pulling me into her arms.

I melted into her embrace, burying my face in the downy warmth of her feathers. My arms wound around hers, clinging tightly, desperate for something to anchor me. My words came out in stuttered fragments, attempts at explanation that tangled together. She hushed me, brushing her beak against the crown of my head.

"Not yet," she murmured. "Let's wait until you've calmed, ok?"

I nodded weakly, letting her guide me to the couch.

My sobs faded into hiccuping sniffles over time, the quiet punctuated by the soft rustle of her feathers. Finally, Alora spoke, her tone steady and reassuring.

"You don't have to tell me right now if you're not ready. Just know I'm here."

I forced myself to breathe, shaky words pushing their way past the tightness in my throat. "I-I want t-to... to tell you." My eyes brimmed again as my voice cracked. "B-but--" My chest heaved as the tears returned, blurring everything into a mess of sound and breathless sobbing.

"Hey, hey, shh... you're alright." She stroked her feathers through my hair, coaxing me into steadier breaths. "Deep breaths. Nice and slow."

I tried to follow her lead, filling my lungs, letting the air out through quivering lips until my body began to ease. "It's a-about something... really personal," I whispered, the memory gnawing at me from inside. "R-Revali got involved b-but nothing really happened." I dropped my face into my hands, ashamed. "I'm sorry. I don't even know why I'm so upset."

Her wings tensed beside me. After a long silence, she rose abruptly, feathers ruffled in sharp indignation. "Whatever he did, it couldn't have been good," she snapped, already marching toward the door. "I'll go up there and tear into him myself, champion or not."

"No--please, don't!" My plea broke through my tears, sharp and desperate. "I don't want to deal with him right now. Please, Alora."

She froze, talons curling against the wooden floor before she exhaled, long and slow. "Fine. Only because you don't want me to."

Relief washed over me, my shoulders sagging as the tension drained from them. "Thank you."

She returned to my side, her tone gentler this time. "But can I at least ask--how did you even end up with Revali? And what happened that left you like this?"

So I told her. Piece by piece, I recounted everything from the moment I left that morning up until I threw myself off the divine beast. Her feathers puffed in shock, her questions flying faster than I could answer, but I managed enough to calm her. Enough to make the story make sense--at least the version I was willing to give.

I didn't mention the part where he forced me to reveal my arm. Only that he cornered me until I said what he wanted to hear. Alora didn't press, though I could see the weight of unspoken questions in her gaze. Someday, she would ask again. I knew it.

"I knew he was difficult," she muttered at last, shaking her head, "but this... this is something else." She stood with a huff, heading into the kitchen. "Well, it's nearly midday, and I know you haven't eaten. What sounds good for lunch?"

-

Lunch sat heavy in my stomach, though mostly because I'd forced it down. Alora had eaten heartily, but I managed only a few halfhearted bites before pushing the plate aside. The morning still clawed at me too much to enjoy food. After tidying up the dishes and straightening the table, I drifted toward the living room, only to nearly collide with one of the children bursting through the door.

"The princess! She's here, (Y/n)! You have to come see!"

Before I could even blink, she seized my hands in her small blue-feathered grip, tugging me toward the stairs. Alora chuckled behind us, her voice lilting warmly as I stumbled after the girl.

"Go on, the two of you. Have fun!"

That was the last I heard before being whisked outside.

The little Rito's talons clicked against the steps as she pulled me along, and soon the whole gaggle of her sisters joined in, gathering at the rail where the bridges overlooked the plain below. From there, I spotted the procession—guards on horseback with banners fluttering in the wind, and at the front, two riders side by side. They dismounted at the stable, leaving their horses behind, as was required before stepping onto village grounds.

The girl beside me flapped her wings in excitement, waving at her sisters who had scrambled up beside us. All together, we leaned over the edge, watching the visitors make their way across the bridges that tethered Rito Village to the outside world.

The nearer they came, the more clearly I could see their faces. My heart skipped as recognition struck, the boy beside the princess was the same one who had saved me weeks ago. Link. He moved with quiet confidence, eyes fixed forward, his focus never straying from the princess or the path. Compared to the restless shifting of the guards, his composure was almost unsettling.

A knot of nerves tightened in my chest. The princess herself was rarely seen outside the castle walls and her presence here meant something significant.

"Do any of you know why she's come?" I whispered to the sisters beside me. They shook their heads in unison, their eyes never leaving the royal figure.

Princess Zelda's appearance was even more striking up close. Sunlight gleamed off her long golden hair, which fell neatly to her waist, and the deep blues and whites of her winter attire shimmered with threads of silver. She carried herself with an effortless poise, head lifted, every step precise and assured.

"She's beautiful," I murmured under my breath. "Even more than in the portraits."

As though she'd heard me, her gaze swept in our direction. She smiled faintly, acknowledging us with a nod. Heat rushed to my cheeks, and the children squealed in delight.

"She saw us!" one cried, breaking away from the group.

"Wait!" My voice cracked with alarm, but the girl had already darted forward, her sisters trailing close behind. I hurried after them, flustered. "She probably has important matters to attend to, let's not—"

But Zelda raised her hand gently, stopping me in my tracks. "It is no trouble," she assured, her voice warm and melodic. "I always enjoy meeting the people during my travels."

Her words alone were enough to put me slightly at ease. There was a softness in her presence that made it difficult to feel intimidated, even standing before royalty.

"What is your name?" she asked, her tone as kind as her smile.

"(Y-Y/n)," I stammered, nerves tangling my tongue.

From there, conversation was impossible—the children filled every gap, their questions spilling over one another. Zelda answered them all with patience, her responses light yet genuine. When a rare moment of quiet finally presented itself, I dared to ask, "So what brings you to Rito Village?" 

Her gaze drifted past me, settling on Vah Medoh where it loomed against the sky. "I came to speak with Champion Revali, and to see how his progress with the Divine Beast fares. We need the strongest warriors at the helm of such power."

Her shoulders stiffened as she studied the colossal machine, and I swore a flicker of unease crossed her features.

"I see..." My own eyes followed hers, dread curling in my chest. Just the sight of the Divine Beast was enough to stir the mess of feelings I'd been trying—and failing—to sort out since the morning. I could feel tears threatening again, though I forced them back down.

In the corner of my eye, Zelda blinked and gave a small start, as though realizing she'd drifted into thought. Composure returned instantly, and she turned to me with another courteous smile. "Well, I should take my leave. It was a pleasure to meet you."

She pivoted to her knight, who had materialized at her side without a sound, and her demeanor shifted, voice cooling as her eyes hardened. "Stay here. I know how you and Revali are with each other."

Though she addressed Link with an even tone, the words carried an edge sharp enough to cut.

Link only nodded as Zelda walked away, the children trailing after her like little ducklings, their excited chatter fading as the group moved down the bridge. For a moment, the bustle of the village returned to normal, the air filled with wind and distant birdcalls. When I turned back, Link was still standing there, watching the princess until she vanished from sight.

Silence stretched between us—comfortable for him, awkward for me. He shifted his weight, then finally broke it, his voice low but kind.

"I'm glad to see you're doing better." His eyes flicked toward my legs, and he gave the faintest smile.

I glanced down as though to confirm it myself, shifting a little so he could see I wasn't limping. My grin was sheepish, almost apologetic, and I let out a small laugh. "Thanks to you. I don't think I'd be here if you hadn't shown up when you did. Is there any way I can repay you?"

Link shook his head, dismissive with a wave of his hand. "Don't sweat it." Then his expression darkened, a note of genuine surprise in his tone. "Still, I'm impressed you made it out of there with the wounds you had." His brows raised, as though he was still piecing together how it was even possible.

"Adrenaline's a wild thing, huh?" I chuckled, though the memory still made my chest tighten. "Honestly, I'm more in shock at how quickly you brought that thing down. The princess is lucky to have you."

The words slipped out before I could stop them, and I instantly regretted them. Something shifted in his face, his smile dimmed, and his gaze faltered. A shadow fell over his features, subtle but unmistakable. The easy air between us seemed to harden.

I swallowed, feeling the change like a sudden chill. "Sorry. Sensitive topic?"

He hesitated before nodding, his exhale long and tired. "It's complicated."

"I get that." I tilted my head in understanding, though my chest still prickled with unease. "I've had my fair share of complicated relationships too."

That seemed to ease the tension, if only slightly, and soon we'd found a spot near one of the small market stalls. We bought a few snacks and sat together, waiting for the princess to finish her business. Link leaned his sword against the bench, and I caught him glancing at it more than once.

"So," I ventured, brushing crumbs from my lap, "earlier, Princess Zelda mentioned you and Revali don't exactly get along. Is that true?"

Link gave a short laugh, running a hand through his hair. "That's one way to put it." He leaned back, his gaze turning toward the sky. "He's competitive. Always has been. Somehow, it always circles back to this." He tapped the Master Sword with two fingers, his expression tightening with a faint groan. "He doesn't let me forget it."

A wry smile tugged at my lips, though my stomach knotted. "Maybe I could--" I stopped myself abruptly, the thought catching in my throat. No. The last thing I wanted was to see Revali again. Not after what had happened. I shook my head, dropping my gaze to the ground. "Never mind."

"Did something happen between you two?" Link leaned forward slightly, trying to catch my eye.

"N-No. Why do you ask?" My voice was too quick, too sharp, and I instantly regretted it.

He simply pointed to my hands. My fingers had crushed the poor bread bun into a misshapen lump, its filling seeping through the cracks. My eyes widened, and I loosened my grip, forcing an awkward laugh.

"Ah. He just... gets on my nerves. Crossed a line one too many times, that's all." I leaned back, taking a distracted bite as though chewing could cover the bitterness in my tone.

Link's chuckle was soft, almost knowing. "He's quite the character."

I smirked weakly, nodding, though my chest still burned.

The lighthearted conversation dwindled when Zelda returned, her presence commanding the space around her. The moment Link's eyes landed on her, it was like watching a switch flip, his features smoothed into that stoic mask, and his body poised like a knight awaiting orders.

Behind her came the last person I wanted to see.

Revali.

Our gazes collided for a split second. His eyes narrowed and I looked away immediately, the air rushing out of my lungs. My chest tightened with a violent mix of anxiety and fury. I wanted to disappear. I wanted to scream.

"We'll be heading back to the palace. Prepare the guards," Zelda instructed. Link moved instantly, no hesitation and definitely no questions.

Then she turned to me, her voice soft again, her smile warm enough to melt through my fear. "It was truly a pleasure meeting you. I wish you and your village the best."

"Thank you, Princess." I bowed my head, my voice barely steady.

When I lifted it again, she was gone. But Revali wasn't.

He stood there still, silent, immovable, like a shadow I couldn't shake. For a fleeting second, I thought he might say something, but he only shifted aside, giving me room to pass.

I kept my head low, arms folded tightly across my chest as though I could hide the very skin he'd forced me to reveal. My breath hitched, my pace quickening, desperate to put distance between us. Even without looking, I could feel his gaze burning into my back until I was out of sight.

By the time I stumbled into my room at Alora's, my knees gave out. I collapsed onto the bed, clutching at the sheets as the weight of it all crashed over me. My chest heaved, tears prickling at the corners of my eyes.

I couldn't believe it. He'd cornered me, pressed me, stripped away the one thing I swore I'd never share with anyone.

Even if it was only my arms, it was too much. 

And the worst part—the most terrifying part—was that I knew he wouldn't stop.

Revali was trying to uncover the one secret I'd vowed to take to my grave.

Chapter Text

I awoke to three knocks on the door of my temporary room. The sound was muffled but insistent, dragging me out of a shallow, dreamless sleep. A chilled breeze slipped through the cracks in the wood and the thin seams of my blanket, biting at my skin and making me shiver. I sat up slowly, dazed, the weight of sleep still pulling on my eyelids. My cheek was damp with drool, and I clumsily rubbed it away as I tried to gather myself.

"Hello?" My voice came out hoarse and almost incoherent.

The door creaked open, and Alora stepped inside. She carried a tray, and the smell of warm food reached me instantly, savory broth, toasted grains, something spiced. It made my stomach twist with sudden hunger. She set the tray on the small table, then sat beside me on the edge of the bed. Her feathers ruffled faintly in the breeze. At first glance, I thought she was upset, but the longer I studied her face, the less sure I was. Her expression was unreadable, caught between concern and quiet thought.

"I can tell this last week has been hard on you," she said gently. "You've barely left this room." She nudged the tray toward me. "I'm just a bit worried."

"Thank you, Alora. I'm sorry." My voice cracked, and I quickly pushed my fingers through my hair. It was greasy, clumped from days without washing, and the sensation only deepened the shame settling in my chest. "It's about what happened a few days ago. I didn't think it'd affect me this much." My gaze fell to my lap, to the blanket bunched around my knees. A part of me wanted to crawl back under it, to hide until I disappeared altogether. Just the memory of what had happened made my stomach turn. I don't ever want to go through that again.

I exhaled slowly, then, as if finally waking all the way, sniffed under one of my arms. The sharp, sour smell made me grimace, and I laughed weakly at myself, trying to mask the knot of embarrassment twisting in my stomach. "I need a bath, don't I?"

"Yeah." Alora's beak curved with the barest trace of a smile. "I've seen many people in my life, and I've seen how hard life can be. I know I've said it before, but... I'm always here to talk, okay?"

Her words softened something in me, though I couldn't quite bring myself to accept the offer. I laughed again, abashed, shaking my head as I reassured her, "Please don't worry."

The Rito nodded quietly, but she lingered for a moment, as though reluctant to leave me in this state. "Do you want me to grab some clothes and draw a bath?"

Her kindness tugged at me, and I couldn't help but smile faintly. "I can handle it. Really."

Alora gave another nod--slow, deliberate, like she didn't fully believe me--and rose to her feet. She left without another word, closing the door softly behind her. I was left alone with the warmth of the food in my lap, the steam rising faintly into the cold air of the room. For the first time in days, my stomach growled, and I let myself eat.

-

Once I'd finished eating, I bundled myself into warmer clothes and packed a small bag with a towel, soap, and a fresh change to slip into afterward.

Stepping out of my room, the air outside my door carried a crisp bite, sharp enough to wake me. Alora was waiting, perched near the landing, her eyes lighting up when she saw me.

"I know you're planning on a bath," she said, her tone carrying that quiet excitement she never bothered to hide, "but there's something else I want to show you first."

I raised an eyebrow, wary but curious. "Alright."

Her grin widened. She crouched low, tapping her shoulder with a wing. "Hop on."

I did, settling against her back as her wings spread wide. The takeoff was nothing like what I'd grown used to. Where Revali launched like a storm, Alora lifted us gently, each wingbeat measured, steady. The air around us rushed cold, but the flight itself was smooth — almost soothing.

Still, the higher we went, the sharper the wind tore at my cheeks and ears. I hunched lower, burying myself against her feathers, every breath turning to mist.

"What exactly are you dragging me into this cold for?" My voice broke around a shiver, my teeth chattering.

She didn't answer. Instead, she angled her wings and dipped into a sharp descent. My stomach dropped, but before I could protest, I saw it, a column of steam curling up from the snow below.

By the time she landed, I was already grinning. The warmth clung to the air, curling over my frozen skin.

"A hot spring..." The words tumbled out of me, part laughter, part disbelief.

Alora swept her wing toward it in mock ceremony. I dropped to my knees, dipped my hand into the water, and nearly melted from relief. "It's perfect."

I didn't wait. My bag hit the snow, and I tore through my layers, tugging at stiff wraps with clumsy fingers. The air bit like knives against my bare skin, forcing me to dive into the spring before I froze solid. Heat crashed over me, stealing my breath for a moment before I let out a sigh so deep it felt like it left my bones.

Alora eased herself in with far more grace, settling until only her head and the curve of her beak were above the surface.

"You've got good taste," I muttered, leaning back against the smooth stone.

"Glad you think so," she said, her voice low with a smile I could hear more than see.

I dunked myself completely, hair and all, and resurfaced with water dripping down my face. "I didn't realize how badly I needed this."

Snow drifted thick around us, flakes falling into the steam and vanishing before they touched the surface. A few clung to my shoulders, cold pinpricks against the heat. I tilted my head back, stuck out my tongue, and caught one.

Alora snorted. "You're ridiculous."

"Don't knock it 'til you try it."

She gave me a skeptical look, then gave in, only to choke on a flake that hit the back of her throat. Her coughing turned into laughter, which set me off too until the water rippled from how hard we shook.

The warmth loosened muscles I hadn't even realized were locked tight. I scrubbed away the grime of the last week, the tension bleeding out of me little by little.

By the time my skin had wrinkled and the chill started creeping back in, we dragged ourselves out, drying quickly before the wind could bite again. I redressed layer by layer, tugging my wraps snug around my arms. Alora shook out her feathers, scattering droplets into the snow.

For the first time in days, I felt lighter.

"Ready?" Alora turned her head toward me as she crouched low, wings flexing. Before I could answer, something cut the air by my ear. A sharp hiss. Then a scream.

"Alora!"

An arrow jutted from her shoulder, blood appearing around the wound. I stumbled toward her, my chest seizing with panic. She gritted her beak against the pain, staggering.

I darted for the only cover I saw, a half-buried, splintered traveler's shield sticking out of the snow. My fingers burned with cold as I yanked it free and threw it up between us and the treeline. Through the curtain of falling flakes, a red bokoblin lurked, bow raised, hard to track in the blizzard.

"You okay?" My voice shook as hard as my hands.

"Not really," she forced out, her breath ragged. "But I've had worse. It won't kill me." She hissed as she straightened, one hand pressed to the shaft in her shoulder. "The Flight Range isn't far. We need to move now, before this slows me down."

She crouched again, motioning for me to climb onto her back. The arrow still stuck out like a cruel handle, but she launched anyway, her wingbeats desperate. Snow whipped at my face as we rose, and another arrow sliced the air close enough I felt its wind on my cheek.

Alora's flight wavered. "I--can't--hold this pace," she gasped. "Brace yourself."

Her right wing faltered, and the world dropped out beneath us. Her scream carried away on the wind as she fell faster than I could cling. The ground rushed up.

Impact. Snow filled my mouth and stung my eyes. We hadn't been high, but the landing knocked the air from my lungs. I spat frost and scrambled up. "Alora!" She was crumpled a few feet away, already pushing herself upright, face tight with pain.

"Come on!" I shoved under her arm, taking most of her weight. Her steps dragged, leaving deep furrows in the snow. Her breaths came in wheezes, steam billowing from her beak.

Shapes loomed ahead through the haze, slowly piecing together into a building, tall and narrow, its ladder reaching toward the sky. My heart dropped. There was no way she'd climb like this.

Then I caught sight of swift movement, cutting the storm apart. I whipped my head toward it, expecting another monster. Relief nearly made me collapse.

"Revali!" I shouted, voice swallowed by the roar of wind. He didn't hear. He was already circling above, arrows flying in elegant arcs, an updraft keeping him aloft as he rained precision down on his targets.

I tried again, but the gale drowned me out. Desperation clawed at my chest. I eased Alora down in the snow and flung my arms overhead, waving frantically. Nothing.

"You've got to be kidding me!" My boot slammed the ground. Pain jolted up my leg as my toe smacked something solid hidden under the snow. A rock. I dug it out with shaking fingers and clenched it in my fist.

"This better work."

I hurled it with everything I had. The stone arced clumsily but close enough that Revali's sharp eyes snapped toward us. His gaze locked on Alora, on the arrow protruding from her shoulder. He dove without hesitation, cutting the wind like a blade.

"What happened?" he demanded, dropping beside us.

"We--" Alora tried to answer, but her words broke into a cry when his wing brushed the arrow. Blood seeped around the shaft, not much, but enough to twist my stomach.

I spoke for her, frantic. "We were at the hot spring, w-we thought it was clear. Then one of them shot her as soon as we came out."

Revali inspected the wound with quick, precise eyes, then leaned back with a sharp exhale. "Nothing vital hit. She'll live." His head snapped toward the treeline. "But I'll make sure that thing doesn't get a second chance."

Without another word, he launched into the storm again, wings disappearing into the snow.

I somehow managed to get Alora inside the small hut, propping her against the wall. "How are you holding up?"

She smirked weakly, shrugging one good shoulder. "Guess."

The laugh that escaped me was thin and shaky, but real. Outside, the blizzard muffled the world into silence, flakes drifting past the Flight Range like falling ash. 

-

Time dragged on, and still, Revali hadn't returned. My nerves itched with restlessness, so I tried my hand at the targets myself.

A scrap of heavy cloth had been left folded near the wall, sturdy enough to bear my weight. With some quick knots, I fashioned a makeshift paraglider. Beside it sat a spare bow and a quiver of arrows, as if daring me to try.

The first leap nearly tore my arms from their sockets. The cloth caught the wind, but every gust strained my shoulders like they were being ripped from their joints. My hands burned, raw against the fabric. Staying airborne drained me so quickly that my lungs felt cramped after only moments.

I tried again. And again. Each attempt ended the same--the paraglider shuddering under me, my arrow slipping before I could notch it, gravity yanking me down faster than my arms could keep up. By the time I wrestled myself back onto the narrow platform jutting over the ravine, I was gasping, my shoulders screaming with protest.

Alora was watching. Her sharp eyes followed me even through the dim light, her expression caught between worry and exasperation.

"Don't push yourself," she called over the wind. "I can see how much it hurts." She nodded toward my arms.

I winced, rolling my aching shoulders. "Fine," I muttered, trudging back to sit beside her. "But I think your wound deserves more attention than me right now." I leaned in to check her bandaged shoulder, then cast a glance outside, the edge of my voice tight with impatience. "Where is he? He's been gone too long."

I shifted closer to the opening, scanning the storm. The ravine below was a blur of gray and white, the air thick with snow. Dusk had begun to settle, shadows smothering the landscape until everything bled into one colorless haze. The cold crept deeper into me, seeping through my clothes, curling into my bones.

Revali was nowhere in sight.

Chapter Text

I stirred with a groan, my neck kinked from sleeping half-sitting, half-slumped against Alora's feathers. My fingers were stiff with cold, curled uselessly in my lap. The fire before us had dwindled to little more than a dull glow, and the night had fully claimed the mountainside.

I forced myself upright, joints heavy with fatigue, and glanced at Alora. Her beak was clenched tight, wings trembling from the strain of keeping still. The arrow was still buried in her shoulder and we didn't have the tools or strength to remove it, not without Revali.

"How are you holding up?" My voice rasped from dryness, brittle as the wind outside.

Her only answer was a low groan, her eyes screwed shut against the pain. She was shivering as hard as I was, her breath fogging the thin air. The embers weren't enough anymore. If we didn't get more fuel, we'd freeze before morning.

I staggered to my feet, every muscle protesting, and climbed down the ladder. Snow swallowed me immediately, rising to my knees, weighing down my legs until every step felt like wading through water. My teeth clattered as I pressed on toward the scraggly line of trees, searching desperately.

A few pinecones crunched beneath my boots. I scooped them into the fold of my shirt, digging at the snow for fallen branches, but my luck ran out quick. Shaking and half-numb, I trudged back to the ladder with my pitiful haul, clutching the shirt closed with one frozen hand while the other dragged me upward, rung by rung.

By the time I crawled back to Alora, my lungs burned with every sharp breath and my hands were raw, cracked, and bleeding from the cold. My pants were stiff with wet snow; below the knees, I couldn't feel a thing.

I dumped the pinecones beneath the cooking pot and prayed they'd be enough. At first, nothing happened and just the clean, resinous scent of pine filling the small shelter. My shoulders sagged as I sank down beside Alora again, pressing into her side for whatever warmth her feathers still held. My lips trembled too much to form words.

I was on the edge of slipping into half-consciousness when a sudden snap broke the silence. A spark leapt from the pile, then another. Slowly, a faint glow spread through the pinecones, the light flickering weak but steady.

A smile tugged at my cracked lips despite the sting it brought. I dragged myself forward, kneeling before the new flame, holding out my bleeding hands. The fire was fragile, but it was alive—and so were we, for now.

The firelight flickered across my hands as I held them toward the heat, shadows dancing over the faded wraps on my arms. The frayed edges curled, darkened from wear and time. My eyes lingered on them, and an idea pressed its way into my mind.

What if...

I turned my gaze to Alora. She was hunched over, clutching her injured shoulder, her face tight with pain. Her muscles trembled each time she tried to shift her weight, and guilt burned in my chest. We couldn't keep waiting for Revali.

I crawled to her side, touching her good wing gently. "Hey," my voice was low, but steady enough. "I'm going to pull the arrow out. We've been waiting too long."

Her eyes snapped to mine, wide and uncertain. "Y-You sure? Did you find... supplies?" Her voice cracked like dry parchment, weak but still sharp enough to remind me of the risk.

I nodded. It wasn't much of an answer, but it was all I had. After a long beat, she exhaled through her beak and gave me the smallest nod of her own. Permission. Trust.

My fingers shook as I unwound the wraps from my arms, the cold air biting at my bare skin. I gritted my teeth, forcing my focus onto the task. The cloth would have to be enough.

"Alright," I whispered, looping the bandage through my fingers to keep it close. I braced a hand around the base of the arrow. Alora hissed and tensed, and I murmured a quick apology, trying to steady her with my touch.

She guided me in a strained voice, how to hold it, how to angle it, and where not to press. It helped, though my stomach still twisted when I recognized the shape of the broadhead. Barbed, made to rip its way out. This wouldn't be easy.

"Ok. This is going to hurt." My voice was barely more than a breath. "I'm so sorry."

I pressed my palm into the wound, firm but careful, then wrapped my other hand around the shaft. One deep inhale—then I pulled.

Alora's body jolted, her beak clamped shut against a cry. Blood welled, sluggish at first, the arrow breaking free bit by bit. I bit down on my own fear and kept my voice even. "Almost there. Just a little more..."

With one final tug, it came free. I flung the arrow aside, my hands immediately diving to press the wraps against the wound. Hot blood soaked through almost instantly, painting my fingers in scarlet. I leaned hard into it, both hands trembling as I fought to slow the flow.

At last, the bleeding began to ease. My chest sagged with relief as I bound the cloth tight across her shoulder, tying it off as best I could. My hands were sticky, trembling, red.

"Stay with me," I murmured before climbing down the ladder. The snow hit me like a wall, numbing every cut on my skin, but I gathered as much as I could into the fold of my shirt and hauled it back up.

The pot hissed as I dumped the snow in. Steam rose, hot and sharp, and I leaned against the edge for a moment, dizzy with exhaustion. Then I went again, gathering, scrubbing blood from the cloth against the snow, repeating until the water boiled and the worst of the stains gave way.

When the cloth was clean, I dipped it into the pot, wrung it out, and laid it close to the fire to dry. My shoulders loosened at the sight, the first thing all day that had gone right.

I settled back beside Alora, brushing my bloody hands across my pants to clean them. "You still with me?" I asked softly.

She gave a small, breathless chuckle. "It could be worse."

I huffed out something between a laugh and a sigh, pressing my shoulder to hers. The fire crackled faintly, the only sound unmuffled by the snow.

Eventually, her eyes slipped closed, exhaustion winning at last. I checked the cloth, swapping it once it had dried, cleaning the used one again in silence. When her breathing settled into a shallow rhythm, I allowed myself to lean against her feathers, my own eyes heavy.

The flames blurred as my lids grew heavier, and before long, I let the dark take me too.

-

Maybe two more hours passed before I was coaxed awake by the sound of footsteps against the wood. My eyes cracked open, careful, in case it was a bokoblin—or something worse—but instead I saw Revali setting a bag down in the corner.

A flare of irritation burned away the sleep from my voice. "Well, well. Look who finally came back."

"I didn't plan to be out that long," he replied curtly, already pulling items from the bag. Bundles of herbs. Clean cloth. Food.

I grumbled, crossing my arms. "Then what took so long? It's freezing out here, in case you didn't notice."

He said nothing, deliberately ignoring me as he walked toward the pot, where a thin curl of steam still clung to the surface.

"What happened here?" His brow furrowed as he glanced between me and Alora.

"You left her with an arrow still in her. I couldn't just slap dirty bandages over it." The words stumbled to a halt as I suddenly realized my arms were uncovered. My chest tightened. Quickly, I tucked them against my legs, trying to hide the evidence.

"I see." His voice was flat, unreadable. He lifted the pot, poured the old water out, and began filling it again. While he was distracted, I grabbed the nearest strip of cloth and wound it clumsily around my dominant arm, keeping my movements quiet and quick.

By the time he returned, he had dropped fresh wood into the fire and set the pot back over it, tossing in peppers and dried fruit. The scent rose almost instantly, sharp and spicy, thawing the air. It stung my nose, and before I could stop myself, I sneezed. Loudly.

Revali chuckled, just enough for me to hear. My cheeks burned. "Don't laugh," I muttered, "You didn't answer my question," I pressed when the silence stretched too long.

He sorted the medical supplies with methodical precision before finally replying. "There were more than the one bokoblin you saw. I found three camps nearby."

The words hit me like a cold draft. My stomach lurched. "Y-You dealt with them? All of them?!"

"I wasn't about to leave them there," he said, voice even, matter-of-fact. "You were fortunate only one crossed your path." He ladled some of the steaming food into a bowl and handed it to me before adding, almost offhand, "I'll make Alora an elixir when she wakes."

The aroma made my mouth water, and when I took the first bite, warmth spread through me until even my frozen toes tingled.

"That should keep you warm for a few hours," he remarked as he served himself.

"...Thanks." My voice was firm but quiet, my eyes fixed anywhere but on him as he sat across the fire.

We ate in silence, the wind howling through the practice range the only sound between us. Every so often, I felt his gaze flick toward me. I kept my wrapped arm hidden close, out of his line of sight.

The snowfall outside had slowed, though the sun had yet to crest the horizon. The food had left me almost too warm, my body heavy with exhaustion. My shoulders still ached from the failed attempts at the targets earlier. More than anything, I wanted my own bed.

That was when he broke the silence. His voice was calm, almost deceptively casual.

"Why do you hide them?"

I blinked, lifting my head. "...What?"

"Your arms," he clarified, eyes steady on mine. "Why do you keep them hidden?"

The question lodged in my throat like a stone. My gaze dropped to the makeshift bandage at my arm. My chest tightened until it hurt. Of all the things he could say, it had to be that.

"I—" The word crumbled in my throat. Panic made my mouth dry, but I forced myself to breathe.

Revali didn't look away. He was waiting, patient but intent.

"It's personal." My voice was quiet, strained. "I have my reasons."

He tilted his head slightly, feathers catching the firelight. "You make it sound like some terrible secret. You're not the next Calamity. How bad could it be?"

I gave a hollow shrug, eyes fixed on the flames. "Worse than you think," I whispered. "You wouldn't understand."

I tucked my face down into my knees, letting the fire blur as silence crept back in.

"I think I might," he said, voice tight. "You don't exactly know me, either."

I scoffed, heat rising. "Trust me. You don't understand my situation."

His eyes narrowed, and a flicker of something—annoyance, maybe frustration—passed over his face. "...You think you're the only one who's ever had it rough? Don't assume that." His feathers twitched, and he looked away, as if regretting saying even that much.

I blinked at him, surprised before I frowned. "I never said I was."

"No," he admitted, eyes flicking away for a moment. "It shows though, the way you carry it. Makes you think it's yours alone. But it isn't. Everyone has their scars."

I studied him, unsure if I should feel comforted or annoyed. 

He glanced back at me, a faint edge of something softer in his expression. "Take it as you will. I'm not here to tell you how to feel. Just... you're not the only one who's had it rough. Not by far."

I swallowed, letting the weight of his words settle. They weren't exactly kind, but they weren't cruel either. For the first time since I arrived in the village, I felt a tiny thread of understanding between us.

Chapter Text

We were able to properly take care of Alora's wound and finally made our way back to Rito Village. By the time we landed, the sky had fully brightened, and Melany was waiting with her wings folded tightly across her chest.

"Where have you been all night, Revali?" she demanded, her tone harsh.

He opened his beak, clearly ready to retort, but her eyes flicked to Alora and me standing behind him. The irritation in her expression faltered into something else--concern, confusion, maybe even surprise.

"You brought them back," she muttered, more to herself than to him.

"Of course I did," Revali said curtly.

The two of them immediately fell into a tense back-and-forth, voices dropping low but sharp as knives. Alora and I exchanged a quick glance, wordlessly agreeing to leave them to it. Neither of us had the strength to stand in the middle of one of their quarrels.

The air between the two Rito was crackling with tension as we slipped away toward the house. By the time we made it inside, my body was screaming at me for rest. A mirror on the far wall caught me off guard: dark circles carved into my skin, hair a tangled, damp mess that looked like it hadn't seen a brush in days. My shoulders sagged at the sight.

Alora wasn't faring much better. Her feathers stuck out at odd angles, her eyes half-lidded, fighting to stay open.

"Goodnight," I grumbled, though the sun was glaring through the slats in the walls.

"Mm... night," she slurred back, and we both collapsed into our beds without another word.

When I next opened my eyes, the sky outside was painted in orange and rose. My whole body felt stiff, and the cold air clinging to my skin made me shiver as I dragged myself out of bed. I stripped off the damp clothes I'd foolishly slept in and tossed them into the hamper, then pulled on something dry and warm before stepping into the main room.

Alora was already there, moving slowly but steadily at the counter. She was stirring a bowl with one wing braced against the wood for balance, the soft clink of utensils filling the quiet.

"Let me help." My voice rasped in my throat, rough from sleep. I moved beside her and took the bowl, stirring while she set about measuring other ingredients.

"You don't have to--"

"I want to," I cut her off, eyes fixed on the mixture. My shoulders ached faintly from earlier, but the repetitive motion was oddly soothing. The bowl held flour, milk, eggs, mostly simple ingredients. A small cup of chocolate chips sat to the side, waiting its turn. "How's your shoulder?" I asked after clearing my throat again.

"It'll be fine. I should be healed in no time." She paused, then gave a small laugh. "Actually, speaking of--" She ducked into her room and came back with a small bottle. "I was so tired earlier, I forgot to take one of these." She uncorked the elixir and drank it down in one go.

I nodded but couldn't stop my thoughts from circling elsewhere. My mind went to Revali, where he'd gotten the potions, why he'd gone through so much effort for us. Why bother?

Alora noticed me staring and smirked. "You really saved me out there, you know. With the arrow. I'd be in much worse shape if you hadn't."

"Don't mention it."

"No, really. You could be a healer." She gave me a teasing grin. "Maybe you should be my apprentice."

A dry laugh slipped out of me before I could help it. "I'd be the worst apprentice you could ask for."

"Maybe. But you'd be entertaining."

We cooked together in comfortable quiet, and by the time we sat down to eat, the room was warm with the smell of bread and roasted vegetables. But even as we talked, even as Alora chatted idly, something tugged at the back of my mind.

Revali had said he checked the skies often. Yet three whole monster camps had managed to set up near the Flight Range, close enough to strike at us. How could he have missed that? How could he, of all people, not notice?

I caught myself staring down at my plate, fork unmoving.

"(Y/n)."

Alora's voice jolted me back. I blinked at her, startled.

"You spaced out," she said, brow raised. "You look like you're thinking too hard."

"...Maybe." I toyed with the food on my plate. "It's nothing."

She leaned forward, gaze sharp despite her exhaustion. "Does this 'nothing' happen to involve Revali?"

The question made heat creep up my neck. My fork clattered against the plate as I dropped it and pressed my palms to the table, unable to meet her eyes. "Is it that obvious?"

"Painfully," she said dryly, taking another bite.

I focused on the grain of the wood beneath my fingers, tracing the swirls and ridges to ground myself. Anything to avoid her gaze.

"Well, we did just spend the last several hours dealing with him--or waiting for him," she added, rolling her eyes. "It makes sense."

I exhaled slowly. "He said he checks the area for monsters, but there were three camps out there. Three. How does that happen without him noticing?"

Alora chewed thoughtfully, then shrugged. "Maybe they set up overnight."

"That fast?" I shook my head. "I don't know. It doesn't sit right."

"Maybe he's just not as perfect as he wants you to think."

That earned a faint smile from me, though the unease didn't lift. We went back and forth a while longer, trying to make sense of it, but the questions only piled higher. In the end, neither of us had answers. All I could do, for now, was trust him.

Even if some part of me didn't want to.

"He has been very busy with the Divine Beast as of late," Alora remarked. She wasn't wrong, and I realized there was no point wasting the little energy I had left trying to argue about it. What mattered now was resting, recovering, and letting the exhaustion fade. We drifted into lighter conversation, trading stories about the Flight Range and laughing at how chaotic the last several hours had been.

There's a particular kind of relief that comes from knowing you're safe again after a frightening ordeal. That deep comfort of sinking into a home you trust, into clean sheets, a soft pillow, and the certainty that, at least for now, everything will be alright. My gaze wandered briefly around Alora's home, and I let out a quiet sigh, appreciating its warmth.

When we finished eating, I insisted on doing the dishes. Alora tried to help despite her injury, but I eventually convinced her to rest instead. The sounds of the night drifted through the open windows: crickets chirping in chorus, the faint chatter of villagers carrying on with their evening.

I had just set the last dish to dry when a tickle hit the back of my nose. Before I could brace myself, my head snapped forward with a sudden, loud "Achoo!" The sound echoed off the walls, startling me into a laugh at my own expense.

--

The next morning was bad. Really, really bad.

My head pounded as if someone had wedged a war drum between my temples. Breathing through my nose was out of the question, which left my mouth bone-dry when I finally woke up. My ears were stuffed, muffling the faint sounds of Rito Village outside, and when I cracked open my eyes, they barely opened at all, swollen and heavy.

"Huh...?" My voice rasped out, rough and foreign to my own ears. I sat there, dazed and confused about why my body had suddenly betrayed me. It sounded like my throat had been scraped raw with the grittiest rock in Hyrule.

You've got to be kidding me. First the Lynel, now this? How much trouble have I caused these poor Rito already?

I groaned as I forced myself upright. The motion was a mistake--my vision tilted sideways, my body threatening to crumple back into Alora's warm bedding. I caught myself halfway, blinking at nothing, my brain sluggishly trying to find a plan.

No. I cannot trouble Alora with a cold. Not with her injury.

Slowly, I stretched my arms, pulling the blanket tighter around my shoulders before placing both feet on the cold floor. The chill cut through my skin immediately. Shuffling, I reached for my things, determined to make myself presentable.

I dunked my face into the washbasin's icy water, gasping as the shock hit. The swelling eased, thank the goddess, and I managed to clear my nose enough to breathe again. My voice was still the problem. It cracked and sputtered, dropping three octaves below normal.

Without thinking, I began humming, soft at first, then trying scales, my tone wobbling like a bird learning to sing. It sounded awful. If the Rito outside heard, I was sure they'd think some sick goose had flown into the village.

"Perfect," I muttered, rubbing my throat.

I glanced at my reflection once more, tightened the blanket around me, and dragged myself into the kitchen. My feet felt weighed down, every step heavy. Reaching blindly into cabinets, I searched until my fingers closed around a jar of golden honey. Cinnamon followed shortly after.

Scooping the honey into a small bowl, I mixed in a generous sprinkle of cinnamon. My secret weapon. I swallowed the concoction and immediately felt the burning sweetness slide down my throat. Relief. Not perfect, but enough.

I scrubbed the evidence away, bowl and spoon clean, jars tucked neatly back in place. Just in time, Alora's door creaked open.

"Oh! You're up already?" she chirped, though her tone shifted into concern the moment she saw me. "Did you eat?"

My heart sank. What do I say?! I can't even speak properly.

After an awkward silence that dragged far too long, I rasped, "Y-Yeah. I ate already." My voice cracked like an old lute string.

Alora froze. Her feathers lifted slightly as her eyes widened. "What's wrong with your voice?"

I stiffened. "N-Nothing."

She stepped closer, worry painted across her face. "Don't tell me you caught a cold." Her wing reached for my forehead, but I brushed it away.

"I'm fine. Promise." I kept my tone soft, careful not to let it scrape out too loud.

"Mmhm." Her beak tilted downward in a way that could only mean suspicion. "Your voice says otherwise. Back to bed." She flared her wings, trying to shepherd me toward my room.

"The air was just really dry at the Flight Range!" I blurted, resisting her gentle shoves. "Please, it's just a sore throat. I don't need to be bedridden."

The sound that came out was awful—hoarse, cracked, and lower than any Rito's lowest note.

Alora stopped in her tracks and gave me a long, piercing look. She looked less like a friend and more like a stern mother catching her chick in a lie. Her gaze burned through me, and I shifted uncomfortably on my feet.

Finally, she sighed, her feathers settling. "Fine. But," she leaned closer, narrowing her eyes, "if you feel anything worse, you're going back to bed. Agreed?"

I straightened, trying to look innocent. "Agreed."

"Good." She softened, brushing her good wing against her side.

As I slipped toward the door, I paused, glancing back. "Um... do you have a scarf I can borrow?"

She tilted her head, puzzled, but nodded. Digging into her closet, she pulled out a thick wool scarf and handed it over. I wrapped it tight, the fabric warm and comforting, covering most of my mouth. No way was I risking passing this on to kids or bystanders.

"Thank you," I said, muffled against the wool.

Alora shook her head, smiling faintly. "You're hopeless."

I grinned weakly, pulling the scarf tighter. "Maybe. But at least I'm considerate."

Without waiting for her retort, I stepped outside into the crisp morning air, my feet carrying me straight toward the pastry shop. The one thing I wanted after everything was something sweet.

"Wow!"

The chorus of cheers made me pause mid-step. I glanced up the staircase and found all the village children gathered along the landing, their little talons drumming against the wood as they jumped and cheered.

Revali shot into the air before them, feathers flashing in the sunlight. He dipped, rolled, and twisted through the currents, each maneuver sharper than the last. The kids squealed with delight, calling his name, their laughter ringing through the crisp morning air.

I couldn't help it—a smile tugged at my lips. He wasn't even trying, just showing off the way he always did, and yet, the joy on those kids' faces made the entire scene warm.

Before anyone spotted me, I ducked back down the stairs, clutching the scarf closer to my chin, and slipped toward the shop.

The bell above the door jingled as I stepped inside, and warm air filled with the smell of sweet bread and spices wrapped around me. The shop was bustling with Rito chatting over tables, travelers huddled with their packs, wings brushing as they passed each other in line. I expected to see the usual shopkeeper behind the counter, but instead, a familiar crimson Rito turned at the sound of the bell.

"(Y/n)!" Melany's face brightened, though her eyes flicked over me quickly as if checking I was still in one piece. She waved me down with her wing, leaving the line and moving toward the far end of the counter.

I blinked. "You work here?"

"On and off," she said with a shrug, smoothing down her feathers. "Filling in today. But—" her tone shifted, softer now, "Revali told me what happened."

My stomach twisted. Of course he did.

Before I could respond, she leaned closer, voice dropping. "And, uh... sorry you had to see us arguing like that yesterday." She gave a quick laugh, though it didn't quite reach her eyes. "I... had plans with him. A date, actually. He ended up standing me up to help you and Alora."

I nearly choked on my own breath. "A--A date? With Revali?" The words cracked embarrassingly, breaking into a cough. I pressed the scarf closer to my mouth. "I'm so sorry, Melany--I didn't know--" I kept my voice quiet.

Her wings fluttered slightly, like she wanted to wave away my apology. "Don't worry about it. He... gets caught up in things. That's just who he is." She laughed again, but it was quieter this time, like she was trying to convince herself more than me.

Before the silence could stretch, she bent down behind the counter, rummaging through shelves. "Anyway, he asked me to hold something for you."

I tilted my head. "For me?"

She straightened with a box large enough to fit a dozen pastries and set it down between us. I stared at it, bewildered, until she glanced back up at me--and winced.

"Oh, Hylia—your voice." Her feathers bristled with alarm. "You sound terrible."

"I'm fine," I muttered, my words coming out hoarse despite the protest.

"No, you're not." Melany didn't waste a second. She darted into the back room, feathers rustling, and I stood awkwardly at the counter while a couple of travelers in line grumbled under their breath. A minute later, she reappeared carrying a steaming cup. It was made of a dark pine, expertly crafted.

"Here." She pressed it into my hands. "Hot chocolate. Don't even think about paying--Revali said he'd cover anything you bought here."

I froze mid-sip, lowering the cup just enough to peek at her over the rim. "...He what?"

Melany only shrugged, looking away as if the ceiling beams suddenly fascinated her. "Maybe he feels bad."

Something in her tone made my chest tighten. I wanted to ask, but before I could, she pushed the pastry box closer to me. "These are for you and Alora. No charge."

She lifted the lid for me, revealing rows of pastries glistening with sugar and frosting. My mouth watered instantly, but my gaze snagged on one particular cookie. Frosted in blue with white and yellow wings, two little green eyes and rosy cheeks.

A laugh slipped from me before I could stop it. "Is that supposed to be Revali?"

Melany glanced down, her beak twitching in a half-smile. "Looks like it."

"Too cute for him," I muttered under my breath, though I couldn't stop smiling as I closed the lid again.

Cradling the cup and the box carefully in my arms, I looked back at her. "Thank you, Melany. Really."

Her eyes softened, though there was something else behind them I couldn't quite place--something heavy. She gave a quick nod. "Take care of yourself, alright? And tell Alora I said hello."

Chapter Text

"Do another trick, Revali!" the kids called out, their voices overlapping in a chorus of excitement.

I tugged my scarf higher over the lower half of my face, partly to hide my smile and partly to keep the chill off. Revali gave the children a curt nod, then launched himself skyward in a blur of feathers. He spun once, twice, and then tucked his wings at the last second to spiral downward before spreading them again in a sharp snap, catching the air and gliding smoothly just above the ground.

The children shrieked in delight. I couldn't help but nearly cheer along with them, muffled laughter spilling out from behind my scarf. He actually was good at this.

I had decided to run back to Aloras roost and drop off the goods I had picked up previously, making my way back out to watch the show near the landing.

For the next ten minutes, he kept at it, dive after dive, loop after loop. Every time he twisted through the air, the little ones erupted like it was the grandest thing they'd ever seen. When he finally landed, it was cleaner than the last time I'd witnessed it, at least he hadn't flattened me this round.

The second his talons touched down, the kids swarmed him, clinging to his wings, tugging at his feathers, pelting him with endless questions. I chuckled outright this time, watching him try—and fail—to keep his composure as they tugged him in every direction.

It took one of the older Rito calling them away with the promise of food before Revali managed to slip free. He straightened his feathers with a huff, clearly rattled, though his expression shifted the moment his eyes met mine.

I stiffened where I stood, half a mind to turn and leave, but my legs wouldn't move. My pulse drummed uneasily in my throat. By the time I forced myself to stand straighter, it was too late, he was already walking over.

We stopped a few paces apart, caught in that strange, unreadable silence. My heart fluttered in a way that made no sense, uncomfortable for the most part. I gave him a small nod, unsure if I should even open my mouth.

"(Y/n)," he said simply, returning the gesture.

The silence that followed was heavy. Awkward. I kept my eyes on the kids instead, who were now chasing each other with makeshift bows, firing twigs with pinecones tied to the ends. One of them shouted, "I'm the Champion of the skies!" before tripping on his own talons. I couldn't help the laugh that bubbled out of me.

"They'll break their necks before they even learn to fly," Revali muttered, though there was no real bite in it. I huffed in amusement until he glanced sidelong at me. "You look like you've... recovered well."

His words were met with an eye roll. I wanted to ignore his passive aggressive comments, give no reaction at all, but I didn't have the energy to control myself in such a way. It was like he knew how to pinch you just enough for it to sting, but light enough to remain unseen without a mark. I fidgeted with the scarf over my face whilst keeping my eyes away from him, unaware that it only brought more attention to the issue.

His gaze flicked to the scarf. "That seems a bit much for a day like this. Are you not burning up under there?" He even had the nerve to fan himself lazily with a wing.

Finally grabbing the courage to glance at him, he had a sly grin on his face. He's teasing me. Irritation lashed through my veins and up to my head at the sight of him. This particular Rito was so strangely good at digging his way under my skin, it was almost impressive."I'm fine," I snapped, or at least, I tried to. My voice rasped so badly it sounded like gravel spilling over stone. I coughed and winced at the sound, instantly regretting speaking at all.

Revali's grin widened, though he had the decency to look away as his shoulders shook with laughter. "You're worse than I thought."

"If this is your way of checking on me, it's terrible."

He turned his head sharply toward me, feigning offense. "Ha. Ha." The sarcasm dripped like honey.

I smirked, just a little. The silence that followed wasn't as heavy as before, though. It felt lighter, almost. Like the tension had shifted into something else neither of us wanted to name.

The wind picked up suddenly, carrying the bite of the mountain air, and I pulled the scarf tighter against my face. My teeth chattered despite my best effort to hold them still.

Out of the corner of my eye, I caught Revali watching me. Not with his usual smug amusement, but with something quieter. He didn't say anything, though. And for once, I was grateful for the silence.

"So... what brings you into the village today?" I shifted my feet to face him, holding my arms close to my body.

 "I just thought I'd see how everyone was doing. Making sure no monsters made camp close by much like yesterday." He said, looking back to the kids who were busy entertaining themselves. I nodded, admittedly still shaken up about what happened. Stealing another look at him, his eyes were full of worry as her stared off, apprehension forcing his stance to become rigid.

"Are you alright?" I asked quietly. This was a new look for Revali. He didn't respond in anyway, continuing to stare as I scooted closer to him. "Revali?"

He flinched almost imperceptibly, as though my words pulled him out of a trance. "Y... yeah?" he replied, though the hesitation in his voice made it sound far from certain. "What did you say?"

"Is something wrong? I didn't think the amazing Rito champion could look so troubled." A small laugh escaped me as I crossed my arms, though I could feel worry slowly seeping through my own thoughts. Something was clearly on his mind and by the looks of it, it wasn't good. He didn't say anything for a long moment, barely giving any reaction to my attempts to lighten the situation.

"It's nothing that you or the rest of Rito Village need to worry about. Trust me." He shut down the conversation before it had a chance to even begin, turning to look at Vah Medoh on its perch. I could sense his distain toward the topic and I let it go. 

"And besides," He began once more, an arrogant smile on his face, "You're looking at the chosen champion of the Rito." Revali flexed his wings while I looked him up and down.

I let out a quiet, slightly amused breath. "If you say so," I replied, giving him a short smile, though my voice cracked slightly. I swallowed hard and leaned lightly against the railing, suddenly feeling the day's weariness press down on me. "But..." I added, clearing my throat, "if you ever need to talk, you know where to find me." My words hung there, but before I could finish my thought, a wave of lightheadedness swept over me.

I stumbled backward, my vision tilting as nausea gripped my stomach. My legs felt like lead, and my first instinct was to sit, to just collapse somewhere safe—but the middle of the village wasn't the place. I gripped the wooden railing with trembling hands, trying to steady myself as the world spun. 

I could hear Revali say something behind me but my other senses overwhelmed every thought in my head, leaving no room to comprehend his words. My hand gripped the wooden rail as I stumbled, ears ringing. Shit--I'm going to pass out. My knees practically gave up as I crouched down, hand still on the railing as sweat began forming across my brow.

Looking to my side, Revali had placed himself next to me with his wing on my back. A look of concern had etched itself across his features. "You're burning up." I only had the strength to look at him, my hand covering my mouth as the rest of my muscles began to fail. I caught myself as I tipped forward, breathing heavily as my body flushed in a strange warmth. It was beyond unbearable.

Revali reached forward to my arm gripped on the wood, placing it around his neck as he grabbed my other arm and doing the same before I could fall; successfully shifting beneath my body so I was rested on his back. He used his wings to hold my legs up before rushing up the stairs and straight to Aloras. He made it up the steps effortlessly, gentle enough not to rattle my already crumbling body. My vision had stars flashing everywhere and every breath that came from me was forced as he reached the front door. He let himself right in without warning.

Alora jumped in alarm as he barged in, "Revali?! What--," Her eyes widened, "(Y/n)!" She was up and by Revalis side in seconds, pushing him to my room. They put me down gently before Alora began removing my clothes, tossing them to the side.

"Get me cold water and some towels. Quick!" Her eyes didn't leave me as she began reaching the final layers of my garments--including the bandages on my arms. Alora wasted no time unraveling them as Revali soon returned with her requested items. Everything went from overbearingly hot to cold in an instant, my whole body trembling, drenched in sweat. The pink Rito dunked a small towel in the cold water before placing it across my forehead, only making the quivering of my extremities worse.

"We need to get this fever down. Revali," She glanced to him, "could you get the cloxacillin from the closet and a healing elixir? There's a small syringe in the cabinet in the kitchen I'll need that as well." He nodded to her, turning to find the items. Alora had finally stripped my body of all accessories besides my underwear. Her head shook as she sighed, "I should have made you stay home today."

I frowned, "I'm sorry, Alora." My breathing remained heavy as she placed more cold towels across my skin. Revali was quick to return once more, handing everything to Alora. I was practically force fed a few small pills followed by a few drops of the healing elixir.

"I can't give too much of the elixir right now so small doses will have to do."

"Why not more?" Revali asked, leaning forward.

"She has a bacterial infection. The effects of the elixir could only help it grow whilst trying to heal her at the same time. I'm sure you can see why that's a problem." She stood up from the bed side, throwing my clothes in the hamper nearby.

I croaked, my voice barely audible, "I didn't think it would get this bad."

Alora leaned closer, her eyes soft but focused as she adjusted the cold towel across my forehead. "You're not supposed to push yourself like this," she whispered.

I tried to speak again, but the words caught in my throat. My chest rose and fell rapidly, my body trembling under the cold towels.

She reached out, brushing a damp strand of hair from my face. "Shh... just breathe. I've got you," she said firmly, her voice calm but grounding.

For a moment, I just let myself lie there, feeling the tension in my body ease slightly under her touch. 

    -

"(Y/n)..." Alora's soft voice pulled me from a restless sleep. I stirred beneath the blankets, blinking against the dim glow of the candle she had just set on the nightstand. "You need to take a little more medicine," she whispered, her wing hovering over the small bottle of elixir and pills.

I groaned, my head pounding as if a storm were brewing behind my eyes. My throat was raw, my voice completely gone, so even simple words would betray me. I could only nod, furrowing my brow as I rubbed my swollen eyes. The night was deep, past midnight, yet Alora moved with the careful precision of someone who had memorized every small step needed to keep me from slipping further into sickness.

She helped me sit up, holding the small cup of warm elixir in one hand, while the other guided the pills to my fingers. I managed to take them, my movements slow and clumsy. "Alo... Don..." I tried to speak, but my words caught and fizzled before they left my lips, making my chest heave in frustration. Coughs wracked my body, each one rattling my bones and reminding me how weak I had become. I hated that she had stayed up for me again.

"Save your voice," Alora spoke, gently laying my head back against the pillow. Her feathers brushed my cheek lightly, and I could see in her eyes a quiet worry that lingered even in the soft candlelight. I opened my mouth to protest, maybe to tell her she could rest, but the sound never came. Instead, I gave a small nod, smiling weakly at her as I caught my breath. There was nothing I could say, and she already understood.

Alora reached into her pocket and handed me a small, round cough drop, apple flavored. The sweetness surprised me, a rare treat in this corner of the region. I rolled it across my tongue, letting it coat my throat, and felt a tiny measure of relief. She chuckled softly at the sight, the sound warm and soothing in the quiet room.

"If you need more," she said, placing a handful of the cough drops neatly on the nightstand within arm's reach, "they'll be right here. I'm going to try to get a little sleep, but come find me if anything feels worse."

I offered a faint grunt of understanding, too exhausted to speak. She adjusted the blanket around my shoulders and gently rose from the bed. Just before leaving, a quiet series of three knocks echoed from the door. She glanced toward it but didn't hesitate, slipping out of the room and closing the door behind her.

Lying back, I let the tension in my body melt away, the coughs slowing into occasional, quiet rattles. Being sick had always been this way—overwhelming in every sense. For a moment, the world outside the room ceased to exist. Who was at the door didn't matter. I didn't care. I just let myself sink into the warmth of the blankets and the safety of Alora's care, drifting once more into a deep, unbroken sleep.

Chapter Text

"You stayed all night?!" The hushed whisper of Alora sounded next to me.

"Perhaps." The low, quiet tone of a man responded.

In a sad attempt to open my eyes, which were practically sealed shut with sleep, the two individuals next to me realized I had woken up to their conversation. There wasn't much more to say about how this morning felt to the last, other than the fact that everything hurt. It could be worse I guess. My head throbbed, my lips were cracked, and my nose refused to cooperate. Every inhale was a struggle.

When I had managed to pry my eyes open, I could see a dark blue Rito sitting next to my bed, "R... Revali?" My voice was hoarse, unlike last night when no sound could even be made. He didn't necessarily look fatigued but it was obvious he had not rested. "What are you doing here?" My words muddled together as I mumbled.

"Just... Making sure you were fine after yesterday. Or at least alive I should say." He stood up slowly with a quiet sigh, visibly stiff from sitting in the same position for so long. "I lost track of time and have some duties to attend to. Rest up, (Y/n)."

I watched him leave, Alora grabbing his arm and mouthing a quick thank you before making her way over to my bed.

"How are you feeling?" Her voice remained quiet as I shifted around to find a more comfortable position. I could only grunt, pinching my eyes shut in discomfort. She chuckled, "Revali was very worried. You nearly made his tail feathers fall out."

A small laugh escaped me, rasping and raw, before coughing overtook it. Each hack felt like swallowing tiny rocks, but beneath the pain, a strange warmth bloomed in my chest. Despite the misery, knowing he had stayed all night, watching over me, made the ache in my body a little more bearable. A soft, grateful smile tugged at my lips as I exhaled shakily.

"He really stayed all night," I mumbled, my voice hoarse but full of quiet astonishment.

--

The next three days passed slowly, almost painfully quiet, as I nursed myself back to health. Alora hovered like a careful shadow, lecturing me on eating enough, resting properly, and not overexerting myself. "You need to think about your body for once," she'd scold, though her eyes always softened when I looked at her. Revali stopped by a handful of times too, each visit bringing small gifts: a few more healing elixirs, bandages, or occasionally a treat like a cookie warm pastry. The memory of the details was fuzzy, but the warmth of those gestures stuck. The way Revali had carefully carried a box of cookies just for me, with that sly, unreadable smirk on his beak, was impossible to forget.

By the fourth morning, I woke groggily, still not quite myself but far improved. My arms itched almost violently, and as I rubbed my eyes, trying to shake the sleep off, the sensation spread. "What... what now?" I muttered to myself, scratching absentmindedly at my forearms. My hands kept moving on their own, and panic slowly rose in my chest. I froze, heart hammering.

Small feathers were sprouting along my arms again, delicate with the same waxy coating as all new feathers. My stomach twisted. Preening them might ease the itching, but that would make them impossible to hide. I hadn't even thought about the healing elixirs I'd been taking--had this been happening for days? I kept scratching nervously until a soft knock interrupted me.

"Are you awake, Y/n?" Alora's voice whispered through the half-open door.

I threw my arms under the blanket, heart racing. "Y-Yeah! D-Do you need something?" My voice was still raspy, but compared to the croak of the previous days, it sounded almost normal.

"I brought food! Come eat." She motioned toward the kitchen with a bright smile before quietly shutting the door.

I exhaled shakily and quickly grabbed my small supply of bandages, wrapping my arms tightly. The pressure helped the itching slightly, though it did little to calm my nerves. I hoped Alora hadn't noticed. Dressing a little heavier against the cold, I made my way to the kitchen, where the smell of fresh, hot food welcomed me. Alora had set a plate before me, steaming and inviting.

"Morning," she chirped softly, her eyes glancing over me but never lingering on my arms. I sat down, hands folded tightly in my lap, trying to seem casual despite the beads of nervous sweat forming along my temples. Breakfast was a quiet affair, punctuated by small conversation. None of it touched on my arms, and I silently thanked the goddess.

Once the dishes were cleared, I started toward the door, eager for some fresh air.

"Wait," Alora said suddenly, grabbing my arm. A jolt ran through my shoulder, and I froze. "There have been reports of... unusual people," she continued, voice low and serious, "red outfits, moving around the kingdom. There has been some trouble near the Divine Beasts. Gerudo Village, Zora's Domain, Goron City—they've all had encounters."

She wrapped a cream-colored scarf snugly around my neck. "Be careful out there. Promise me."

I nodded quickly, "I will. Don't worry," I said, tightening the scarf around my throat, grateful for the warmth it provided.

I stepped outside, letting the crisp air hit my face and fill my lungs. The sun peeked weakly through thin clouds, casting a pale glow on the village. Snowflakes drifted lazily down, dusting the roofs and paths with a fragile white layer. I breathed deeply, savoring the sharp, clean scent of winter and the quiet of the village. Alora had asked me to deliver a thank-you gift to Melany since she had stopped by several times with supplies, conveniently arriving after Revali each time. Alora had insisted Melany not come in, afraid the girl might catch my lingering cold.

When I reached Melany's door, I knocked once. The soft tap echoed lightly in the quiet morning. A few seconds passed, then I knocked again, a little harder this time. Still, no answer.

I frowned, tilting my head. Maybe she stepped out? Or was busy with the shop? I considered waiting, but the cold wind bit at my fingers, and the thought of lingering on the doorstep made me shiver. Glancing around the street, I wondered if this was going to be more complicated than I thought.

 "Melany? You there?" I called out, my voice carrying across the quiet path. No response. Only a distant crow answered back. Frowning, I set the small package gently at her doorstep, careful not to jostle it.

I took a step back to leave, but something caught my attention, a faint creak of wood. I froze, tilting my head toward her open door. Her front door was swinging wide, the hinges groaning in protest.

"Melany...?" My voice dropped to a cautious whisper as I stepped forward, peering into the dim interior. Shadows pooled in the corners, the faint smell of burnt oil and smoke curling toward my nose. My heart beat faster. This is how people die, I thought, a shiver running down my spine.

I moved further inside, scanning the room. Dirty dishes cluttered the sink, and a pot on the stove had begun smoking, charred black around the edges. Reflexively, I rushed forward, blowing out the little flames that had sparked to life before moving the pot to the side.

Holy Hylia, her house almost burned down. I exhaled shakily, glancing around at the chaos. "Well I'm already here," I muttered under my breath, rolling up my sleeves.

Before I knew it, I was scrubbing her counters, washing the blackened dishes, and tidying everything I could reach. Plates stacked neatly where they had been carelessly thrown, the air filling with the scent of soap and cleaner. What psycho just walks into someone else's house and cleans it all up? I thought, grimacing at myself. Apparently me.

A crinkle underfoot made me jump, and I looked down to see scattered papers. I bent to pick them up and noticed something strange, each sheet marked with a red symbol. An eye, carefully drawn, with a teardrop falling from one side, and three small triangles lined along the other. My stomach twisted. I had seen this before... somewhere. My mind raced, flipping through memories like pages in a book.

"Kakariko Village... the Sheikah Clan symbol?" I whispered to myself, turning one paper over in my hands to be sure. Every sheet in the pile bore the same crimson marking. I pressed the stack back neatly on the counter, my pulse still a little faster. Not my business. Definitely not my business.

I placed the package I'd brought where it would be easy for Melany to find, careful not to disturb anything else, and quickly retreated toward the door. The last thing I needed was her walking in and catching me playing house.

Now to find Revali, I muttered, brushing imaginary dust off my sleeves. Alora and I had put together a small gift for him, a token of thanks for everything he'd done. Finding him was always the problem, though. He might be anywhere, and no one ever seemed to know his plans.

I started asking around the village, ducking into alleyways and talking to locals who were going about their morning routines. "Have you seen him?" I asked a few villagers, leaning slightly on a fence for support. "Revali? The Rito champion?"

"He's probably at the flight range," a baker replied, kneading dough with floury wings.

"Or up at Vah Medoh," a fishmonger suggested without looking up from her scales.

I sighed, shoulders slumping. Neither of those places were options, after everything that happened at the flight range, neither Alora nor I wanted to go back anytime soon. And Vah Medoh? Yeah... no.

I leaned against the fence, letting out a deep breath, fog curling from my mouth in the cold air. "Well," I muttered to myself, "who knows when the amazing Rito champion will decide to show up again..."

The snow continued to drift down, soft and silent, as I considered my next move. For now, all I could do was wait. A deep sigh forced itself from my chest as I accepted defeat. 

"(Y/n)!" The shout of a child dragged me out of my pity party. "Are you busy?!" the child demanded, eyes wide, wings waving frantically. Behind them, a cluster of siblings sprawled across the landing, a chaotic mess of colored papers, pencils, and crayons.

I blinked, brushing away the lingering gloom. "Not at all," I said quickly. My curiosity piqued, I walked closer. "What are you all doing?"

One of the kids, a little Rito with bright yellow feathers and mischievous eyes, rolled onto their back, flopping dramatically. "It's been so long since you played with us!" Their voice wavered on the edge of sadness, almost like a small plea.

I laughed, covering my stomach with one hand. "Aww, I'm sorry. I've just been... a little caught up with things. But I have time right now. Do you have any more paper?"

Their eyes practically sparkled, and in a flurry of wings and giggles, they scrambled to make space for me to join them. Soon, I was sitting cross-legged in the center of their little circle, papers spread around like a tiny, colorful battlefield.

We slipped into our old rhythm, just like when I first arrived. Back then, my leg had been broken, so I could barely move—but now, I could fully immerse myself in the chaos.

"So, tell us more stories!" one of the kids demanded, pointing an eager wing at me.

"Well," I began, leaning forward, "there was this one time I got lost one night, and—oh! The big evil Bokoblins were everywhere!" I gestured wildly, making exaggerated swoops with my hands. The kids gasped and leaned in. "And then Revali swooped down from the sky, wings blazing, just in time to save me!"

"Ooooh!" they chorused, eyes wide.

"You can be the Bokoblins!" I suggested, pointing at a pair of giggling twins. Soon enough, everyone had picked a part in the story, and we all started drawing it out: Revali rescuing me, the Bokoblins in hot pursuit, the kids saving each other in daring feats of bravery.

Once their rescue missions were fully illustrated, the kids turned to a new challenge. "Draw him!" one of them chirped. "The Rito champion!"

I smiled to myself, watching them dive in. Well... I might as well join. I picked up a pencil and started sketching from memory. His blue feathers, green eyes, the pink blush of his cheeks... I bit my lip, laughing softly. Those cheeks are deceptive, I thought. Cute, though.

I focused intently, outlining the white tips of his feathers, coloring braided feathers, his the yellow beak. My hand moved almost automatically, tracing what I remembered most vividly.

"Wow, it looks just like him!" a small voice exclaimed. One of the kids leaned over my shoulder, eyes wide with admiration.

"Thanks," I said, grinning. "Though I think you all did way better than I did." I glanced around at their papers, each of them messy, colorful, and full of personality. I couldn't help but chuckle at their determination.

When everyone was satisfied, we signed our names at the bottom of the pages. Then, spontaneously, the kids started to sing. The melodies were bright and joyful, filled with the innocent enthusiasm that only children could manage. They tugged at my hands and fingers, nothing stopping them to make me join.

"Come on!" one of them urged, "Sing with us!"

I hesitated only a moment before letting myself be swept up in it. Whether I was good or not didn't matter, they were laughing and cheering with every note. A few curious bystanders had gathered, smiling as we performed our small, lively concert.

From what I'd heard, the Rito had a tradition held on a nearby cliff at a place called Warbler's Nest. They held a little festival there every year, with singing, games, and all kinds of food. The thought made me smile, imagining all these kids participating, music and laughter blending into the wind.

"(Y/n), I think you need to participate in the next festival," said a familiar voice, soft but firm. I turned to see Alora, her pink feathers shimmering in the sun, a gentle but insistent hand on my shoulder.

"Alora! When did you get here?" I said, arms spreading wide in surprise.

"A few minutes ago," she said, nudging me away from the kids. "After I finished dinner. You've been worrying me all day."

"I'm fine, really," I protested, but she just shook her head and began guiding me toward the edge of the landing.

As we walked, a sudden gust of wind snatched my drawing right out of my hands. I lunged for it, but it was too late and my careful work spiraled away into the breeze.

"Ah..." I sighed, shoulders slumping, staring after it. So much effort gone in a second. I let my arms fall to my sides, frowning. "That's life, I suppose."

Alora reached over and squeezed my shoulder gently, giving a small chuckle. "We can make more drawings later."

I nodded, letting the weight lift just a little, the echoes of laughter and song still ringing in my ears.

Chapter Text

After dinner, Alora retired early, leaving the quiet of her home to settle around me like a blanket I couldn't get comfortable in. Sleep refused to come, so I gave up on the idea altogether.

I bundled myself in some warm clothes, tugged on my shoes, and stepped into the crisp night. Moonlight glimmered faintly across the wooden paths that spiraled up the village, painting everything in soft silvers and blues. The stairs creaked underfoot, and the chill bit at my fingertips as I trailed my hand along the rough railing.

Rito Village was quieter than usual at this hour, only the occasional flap of wings or the faint sound of chatter from distant homes. I took my time wandering from one landing to another, peeking at the closed shop fronts and their wares on display: feather polish, quills, strings of wind chimes swaying in the breeze.

Then I heard it. A small, broken sound, like someone trying not to cry.

I slowed, glancing toward the far edge of the platform below. A lone figure sat with her wings drooping, her back turned to me. As I came closer, the faint sheen of moonlight revealed familiar crimson feathers—though in the dark they looked almost violet.

"Melany?" I whispered softly.

She didn't answer at first, but when she finally lifted her head, her eyes glistened.

I hesitated, my heart twisting. Should I... go over? Or give her space? My fingers fidgeted together as I stood there like an awkward statue, debating what was "right."

Unfortunately, I must've stared too long. Melany sniffled, catching sight of me hovering a few steps away. Her expression flickered between embarrassment and guilt. She quickly wiped at her eyes with the back of her wing and tried to straighten her posture.

"Oh--uh, hey (Y/n)," she croaked, forcing a small, shaky smile.

"Hey," I said softly, walking closer until I stood beside her. "Mind if I sit?"

She shook her head, and I lowered myself onto the wooden planks beside her. For a few moments, neither of us spoke. The wind whistled through the cliffs, carrying the smell of rain and pine. Her breath came in uneven little bursts, like she was trying to pretend she wasn't still crying.

"Long night?" I finally asked.

Melany gave a soft, humorless laugh. "Something like that."

Her talons tapped lightly against the wood, a restless rhythm. She kept her eyes on the horizon, where the lights from distant fires blinked faintly in the dark.

"I just," she started, then stopped, taking a shaky breath. "I don't even know what I did wrong."

I frowned slightly. "Did wrong?"

She shook her head, feathers shifting with the motion. "Forget it. It's stupid. I shouldn't even care this much."

I tilted my head, studying her expression. "If it's bothering you enough to come sit out here alone in the cold, it's probably not stupid."

She huffed, half a laugh, half a sigh. "You sound like Alora."

"Good. She's usually right."

That earned me a small smile, though it didn't last long. She rubbed the back of her neck, feathers twitching restlessly. "He just... has a way of making everything complicated. One moment he's all charm and confidence, like you could never do anything to shake him, and the next--"

Her voice faltered. She clicked her beak shut and looked away. "He barely looks at me."

My chest tightened, though I tried not to show it. "That sounds... confusing."

"It is," she said softly. "I know how he is. I know what he's like. But that doesn't stop me from... caring when he shuts everyone out."

The words hung between us like smoke.

I didn't push further. I didn't need to. I'd seen the way she looked at him before--the way her voice brightened when he passed, how she'd hang back just far enough to watch him train without being obvious. Revali wasn't cruel, but he had a talent for distance--for saying exactly enough to make someone feel seen, and then retreating just before they could reach him.

"I get it," I said quietly. "He's not easy to read."

That made her laugh, a short, bitter sound. "Understatement of the century."

She leaned forward again, hugging her wings close. "Sometimes I wish I could just stop caring what he thinks. But then he says something--one word, one look--and suddenly I'm right back where I started."

Her voice trembled, and she blinked quickly, hiding the fresh sheen in her eyes.

I offered a small smile. "Maybe that's not something you can just turn off. But, it doesn't mean you have to let him decide how you feel about yourself."

That seemed to ease something in her. Her shoulders relaxed a little, her voice steadier now. We drifted into small talk after that—nothing too deep. Just chatter about the wind, the upcoming festival, the new stall that sold the best spiced fruit skewers in the village.

After a few minutes, Melany finally stood, brushing the feathers on her wings back into place. "I'm sorry you had to see me like this," she said with a sheepish smile. "You probably had better things to do."

"Don't even worry about it," I said, rising beside her. "We all have our moments. I sure have these last few weeks."

She nodded, her smile softening. "Still... thanks for sitting with me."

"Anytime."

We lingered a little longer, talking about nothing in particular—until she finally excused herself, saying she'd try to get some rest. I watched her go, her steps lighter than when I'd first found her.

When she disappeared into the shadows of the next platform, I turned back toward the edge of the landing and sank down again. The night sky stretched endlessly above, full of glittering stars and faraway campfires that dotted the cliffs below.

Maybe I should check on her tomorrow, I thought, tracing one of the constellations with my finger. I don't think she's seen the gift I left yet.

The longer I stared at the sky, the quieter my thoughts became. Eventually, I lay flat on my back, arms and legs sprawled like a starfish. The planks beneath me were cool, and the faint hum of the wind filled the silence.

"There's Polaris... and Cassiopeia..." I breathed, mapping each one with the tip of my finger.

"As if you couldn't be more in the way."

The voice came from somewhere above and behind me — sharp, smug, unmistakably Revali's.

I nearly jumped out of my skin. "Ah--!" I twisted around and found him perched on the railing like a smug little gargoyle. "Don't do that!" I clutched my chest dramatically, catching my breath.

Revali laughed--actually laughed--a low, satisfied sound. "You can't deny," he said, stretching one wing out for balance, "that I've mastered my landings."

"Oh, I'll give you credit for that," I said, pointing a warning finger before he could puff himself up any further, "but only because you didn't knock me off the platform this time."

He clicked his tongue in mock offense. "Tch. How gracious of you." With a flick of his wings, he hopped down beside me, feathers shifting in the moonlight. "Now," he continued, tilting his head, "may I ask why you're laying here like a seagull in the sky?"

I smirked, brushing a stray hair from my face. "I was stargazing, thank you very much. Not everyone spends their nights preening."

Revali raised a brow, half amused, half intrigued. "Stargazing?"

"Mm-hm." I leaned back, gesturing upward. "You know, looking for constellations, making up stories, pretending to know which one is which."

To my surprise, he didn't scoff. He just looked up, wings loosely folded behind him, expression softening. "Hmph. I suppose I can't fault you for that. It's been ages since I've looked at them properly."

Before I could respond, he eased himself down beside me, feathers rustling quietly as he settled in. "I know birds use the stars to navigate," he said after a moment, his tone thoughtful now, "but I've never really... looked at them. Not since I was a chick."

His honesty caught me off guard.

"Oh yeah?" I asked softly. "It's been a while for me too. After the injury, I kind of forgot how nice this is. Quiet. Peaceful."

He hummed in agreement, eyes following the pinpricks of light across the sky. "Peaceful. Not usually a word I associate with you."

"Excuse me?" I laughed, swatting lightly at his wing before pointing upward, changing the subject. "That one there, that's the Hero's Bow. And the one just above it, see? The wing-shaped cluster? That's Rito's Flight."

"Rito's Flight," he echoed quietly. "How poetic."

"It's real," I insisted. "Or at least, that's what the kids say."

He chuckled under his breath, and for a while, we just lay there, tracing constellations and trading small talk. He asked about my recovery, my stay in the village, even my plans for after.

"I... don't know, actually," I admitted finally, voice small against the vastness of the sky. "I can't say I really have a home to go back to."

Revali's head turned slightly, eyes narrowing. "Care to elaborate?"

I laughed softly, rubbing at my arm. "I think you already have a small idea of that."

His silence pressed gently at me, not demanding, just patient.

"I never really fit in anywhere," I said at last. "Not here, not where I came from." I rubbed my face with my hands, trying my hardest to smile through it, hoping he'd take the hint and move on.

He did, but not right away. I could see him fidgeting from the corner of my eye, his talons tapping softly on the wood, feathers shifting restlessly as if he was trying to find the right words.

Finally, he exhaled sharply. "I'm sorry."

I blinked, startled. "What?"

He sat stiffly, gaze fixed on the stars. "I'm sorry for what I said. Back at Vah Medoh." His tone was clipped, careful, like he was unused to forming the words. "I was out of line and my behavior was insolent."

I stared at him for a moment, completely thrown. His posture was rigid, wings drawn close, as if apologizing physically pained him.

"...Thanks," I said softly. "That... actually means a lot."

He gave a single, small nod. No more, no less.

We sat in silence for a while after that, the kind that felt almost sacred. The stars shimmered above us, the wind hummed through the cliffs, and for once, Revali wasn't performing.

But then, out of nowhere, my eyes burned. I blinked rapidly, trying to ignore the sudden sting. Not now, I thought, rubbing my face. But a tear slipped free anyway.

I turned slightly away, pretending to adjust my shawl, but Revali noticed. Of course he did.

"Oh, for the Goddess's sake," he muttered, sitting up and leaning toward me with exaggerated exasperation. "What's the problem now?"

That did it--I burst out laughing. Or maybe crying. Maybe both. "I'm sorry," I hiccuped between laughs, covering my face. "It's just--that's the first time anyone's ever apologized to me for something like that."

Revali froze for a second, clearly unprepared for that answer.

"Oh," he said awkwardly, then coughed. "Well. Then I suppose you should consider yourself honored."

That only made me laugh harder, even as tears streaked down my face. "Honored, huh? You have a strange way of comforting people."

He tilted his head, feigning offense. "I am not comforting you. I'm merely observing your dramatic display of gratitude."

I wiped my cheeks, still smiling. "Right. Of course you are."

He huffed, but the corner of his beak twitched upward. "You're impossible."

"And you're terrible at pretending you don't care."

Revali gave a quiet, thoughtful hum, neither confirming nor denying, before leaning back on his elbows beside me again. The stars reflected in his eyes when he looked up.

The air between us softened, the sharpness fading into something calm. Something steady. 

Maybe... I could tell him.

The thought crept in quietly, uninvited, curling into the corner of my mind until it refused to leave. I tried to focus on the stars, on the rhythm of my breathing, on anything else but it lingered there, stubborn and dangerous.

No. Absolutely not. What are you even thinking, (Y/n)? You can't tell anyone. You know what happens when you do.

I pressed my palms against my cheeks, trying to physically push the thought away. The sting brought me back to reality, my skin prickling from the cold night air.

A quiet sound broke the silence beside me--a snort, half-laugh, half-sigh kind of noise.

I turned, and sure enough, Revali was smirking, clearly amused at my sudden self-assault.

I groaned, burying my face in my hands. "Don't even start."

"Too late," he said, his voice full of smug amusement.

Before I could think of a response, a streak of light ripped across the sky--fast and brilliant, leaving a glowing trail behind it. I froze, watching it vanish, only for another to follow. Then another. Within seconds, six more carved silver ribbons through the darkness.

We both gasped softly at the same time.

"It's been a long while since I've seen something like that," Revali murmured, straightening up as the final streak disappeared.

I couldn't tear my eyes from the sky. "I don't think I've ever seen anything like that before." I turned toward him, grinning, my breath puffing white in the air. "That was incredible!"

He tilted his head toward the cliffs, his sharp eyes narrowing. "Look there. The first one fell close by."

I followed his gaze. After a moment, my vision adjusted—and there it was: a faint, golden shimmer pulsing in the distance.

"It landed," I whispered, leaning over the railing. "Revali, it actually landed! Look!"

He joined me, scanning the horizon, the faintest trace of excitement in his voice. "It's still glowing."

"Do you think it's safe to go near it?" I asked, still transfixed.

"If it weren't, I wouldn't be offering a free flight over there," he said matter-of-factly, already crouching down.

I blinked. "Wait, you're serious?"

He glanced over his shoulder. "Do I strike you as someone who jokes about flight?"

I raised a brow. "Constantly."

He huffed, but a faint smile tugged at his beak. "Get on, before I change my mind."

I hesitated, tugging my gloves tighter. "You're sure you're not too tired?"

"I said get on."

"Fine, fine," I said, climbing onto his back. "But just one small favor?"

He sighed. "What now?"

"Maybe this time, you could take off a little more... gently?" I tried to keep my expression serious. "You know, instead of the usual death-defying leap into the void that I see you do?"

Revali turned his head slightly, expression unreadable. "Gently," he repeated.

"Yes. Gently."

For a moment, he was silent--too silent. His feathers shifted, his wings drawing in close.

"Revali?"

WHOOSH.

The world dropped away as a violent rush of wind shot beneath us, and we launched upward like a fired arrow.

"Revali!" I shrieked, clinging to him so tightly I could feel the muscle beneath his feathers tense from laughter. The air tore at my face, freezing my cheeks, the world below vanishing into streaks of white and blue.

When we finally leveled out, my heart was still pounding. "Revali, what the hell?!" I managed to say, swatting the back of his head.

He burst out laughing. Real, genuine laughter. "I've been refining that maneuver for weeks," he said proudly. "You're one of the first to witness its perfection."

"You almost killed me with your perfection!" I said between my own breathless laughter. "You could've warned me!"

"That would have ruined the surprise."

"Got a name for it yet?" I asked once I caught my breath.

He hesitated, which told me everything. "...No."

"Oh-ho, you so do." I leaned forward, grinning. "Tell me."

"No."

"Please?"

"No."

"Pretty please?"

A sigh escaped him. "Fine. Guess."

"Okay," I said, tapping my chin dramatically, "how about... 'Superstorm'? No? Hmm... 'Windstorm'? Wait--'Whirlwind Swirl!'"

He choked. "Whirlwind Swirl?"

I threw my head back, laughing. "You come up with something better, then!"

He only shook his head, chuckling to himself as the ground below began to glow brighter. The golden light pulsed against the dark earth like a heartbeat.

As we descended, my stomach fluttered with a mix of awe and anticipation. Revali circled once, scanning the area, before gliding smoothly down to land.

I jumped off, nearly slipping on the snow, and hurried toward the small crater that had formed. The air shimmered faintly with heat, and at the center lay the fragment—smaller than I'd imagined, but dazzling, its light shifting like liquid gold.

Revali landed beside me, folding his wings. "The star fragment should have cooled by now," he said calmly. "Go on. Touch it."

I blinked at him, then back at the glowing shard. "Sta--Star?! Touch it?!"

He crossed his wings. "That is typically how one confirms their existence, yes."

"You touch it first!"

He smirked faintly. "I see bravery isn't among your stronger qualities."

"Oh, shove it, birdbrain."

But even as I said it, my feet were already moving toward the crater, one cautious step at a time.

Chapter Text

Apprehension lingered in my chest as I climbed carefully down into the hollow, feet crunching against frost-hardened soil. My breath hung in the cold air, curling around the faint glow seeping from the strange, half-buried fragment. Crouching low, I reached out with a hesitant hand.

The moment my fingertips brushed the surface, warmth pulsed through them, startling in contrast to the biting chill around us. Its surface was hard and it had a slight roughness to it--almost granular.

Swallowing the lump in my throat, I pressed both palms to it again, letting the heat seep into my skin. "It's... warm," I murmured, more to myself than anything. The glow brightened faintly, and I couldn't help a small smile. "That's so strange..."

I hooked my fingers around one of the star's jagged edges and pulled. It resisted at first, the earth clutching it like a secret it didn't want to give up. Then, with one last tug, it broke free — and I promptly lost my balance, falling back with a startled yelp.

"Come look, Revali!" I called up, half laughing despite myself. "You have to see this!"

He descended in a smooth glide, feathers catching what little moonlight filtered through the small passing clouds. His expression was unreadable but he crouched beside me with a faintly curious hum.

"Hmm. Not bad," he said after a moment. "Normally they're a good deal smaller."

"Smaller?" I shifted the object in my lap, grunting under its weight. "How do people even carry these?" I tried lifting it, but my arms trembled almost immediately. "Are they always this--ugh--heavy?"

The fragment slipped and dropped back onto my legs with a dull thud. I blew out a breath, collapsing backward in defeat. Revali's chuckle was low and maddeningly smug.

"Are Hylians normally this weak?" he teased.

"Well excuse me, princess." I sassed, "I'm not exactly what you would call champion material."

He smirked, talons curling as he reached down. "Allow me to demonstrate how it's done."

With one graceful motion, he created an updraft that swirled the frost and dirt into a spiral around him. I shielded my face from the gusts, peeking through my fingers to watch him lift the star as though it weighed nothing at all.

"Show-off," I muttered under my breath--though part of me couldn't stop watching. It was irritating how easily he moved. That updraft, that strength, had carried me once. And now, I couldn't even hold a star fragment without looking helpless.

But the thought barely had time to sting before his balance faltered. One wing jerked awkwardly, feathers scattering light, and he tumbled sideways.

"Revali!" I scrambled forward, heart in my throat. He landed hard but managed to steady himself halfway through the fall, catching the ground with one knee and one wing. His other wing twitched.

He stood almost immediately, jaw tight. "I'm fine."

"You don't look fine." I reached out, hesitating when he straightened sharply. "You grabbed your wing, does it hurt?"

"It's nothing." His words were curt, dismissive, but his steps were uneven as he brushed past me.

"Nothing doesn't usually make people stumble," I responded flatly. I followed him back to the crater, biting the inside of my cheek. He wasn't going to admit it--of course he wasn't. 

Still, something in me couldn't let it go. "Just..." My voice wavered, and I forced it steady. "Be careful, all right?"

For a moment, the only sound was the wind whispering across the snow. Revali paused with his back half-turned to me, feathers shifting faintly in the breeze.

Finally, he gave a quiet "Mm," and a curt nod.

It was enough. Or at least, it should've been.

We spent who knows how long turning the fragment over, fishing out the smaller, chipped pieces buried around the impact crater. Each shard caught the light in a different way, some like hot coal and others like punched gold. When I held them closer together they seemed to hum, releasing a brighter, softer glow. My fingertips warmed with every tiny piece I scooped up; it felt like the sun had been folded into my palms.

"Mind if I hang onto these?" I asked after a while, looking over at Revali. He was perched beside me, knees tucked, watching the horizon where the first pale threads of dawn were already bleaching the sky.

He shrugged without turning. "I have no use for them."

I tucked the shards into my pocket anyway, the glassy warmth settling against the fabric. Then I leaned back on the dirt, propping myself up on my elbows as the world slowly brightened. The sunrise wasn't as dramatic as the sunsets, but the pastels that bled through the thin clouds were hypnotic in their own way, pinks and lavender and a wash of peach that made the snow glitter like sugar.

"Can't wait to show Alora," I said aloud. Already my mind was sketching little plans: a pendant made from the biggest shard, a string of the smaller ones braided into hair charms. The possibilities made my chest feel oddly light.

Even as I daydreamed, a small worry slid back in: Revali's tumble earlier. Where does he practice that move? The Flight Range? Who else even knows about it?

I pulled my knees to my chest and absently rolled a blade of half-frozen grass between my fingers. "Revali," I said, trying to keep my voice casual. "Why do you practice so far from the village? All the way out at the Flight Range?"

He answered faster than I expected, flattening out and spreading his wings like he was sunning. "The village elder gave me a 'prize' for my accomplishments. Whatever I wanted."

"Oh." It sounded more impressive when he said it plainly. "So you asked for a flight range." I let the admiration slip into my voice; I couldn't help it. "That's... actually amazing. A gift like that, training for generations."

Revali made a small, embarrassed noise that might have been a chuckle. "The updraft provides optimal aerial training and it's far enough away that bomb arrows don't disturb the village." His tone was casual, but there was pride threaded through it, the kind that softened the sharp lines of his beak. He explained the details as if listing facts, but his feathers puffed, just a little, at the edges like a cat's when it's pleased.

I smiled at him. It was kind of cute, him getting excited about something he loved.

He shifted, then his voice slid into something sharper, like he'd flipped a pebble over to reveal the question underneath. "Now I get to ask a question."

"Go ahead," I said, keeping my eyes glued to the lightening sky.

"What were you doing out that night?" he asked.

"What?" I blinked, head snapping toward him. I didn't expect the question. "I was looking for an ingredient and got turned around. That's about it."

"No--" He watched the stable, his gaze distant for a beat. "That night I caught you walking back to the village alone."

Walking back. The memory unspooled, cold wind, the weird hollow silence of the bridges, the small, shaky ritual I'd done to myself just past the last switchback. My mouth went dry. Oh. That night.

"Oh." I picked at a loose strand of grass, slow as if to stall. "You mean that night. Right. I--I told you when we spoke. I was learning the land." I forced the words out like a bland explanation I hoped would be accepted.

Revali's eyes flicked to my forearms just as if they had a mind of their own. He didn't say anything, just looked, the way someone studies a map when they're trying to make sense of where they are.

"Typically you don't 'learn the land' in the dead of night," he said, tone dry.

"Well, maybe this girl likes a little darkness," I said, half-smiling, because the truth of it felt too sharp to lay bare. "Perhaps I'm a vampire," I added with a ridiculous grin, baring my teeth playfully. "Could suck all your blood here and now."

Revali cocked his head, expression flat, unimpressed. "Even then," he replied, and there was that odd, lopsided confidence in his voice, "I could take you down, here and now."

I let out a bark of laughter that sounded too loud in the quiet. "Is that a threat or a promise?" I teased, nudging his shoulder with my elbow.

"Both," he said coolly, but the corner of his beak twitched like he was trying to hide a smile.

We fell into companionable silence then, watching the dawn creep higher. My shards warmed the inside of my pocket, and the thought of how they might catch the sun later made me grin again. Revali's presence at my side was steady and, without meaning to, comforting--even if he'd just threatened to knock me out for fun.

Thankfully, Revali didn't press the question any further. Instead, we sat together a while longer, quietly watching as the sun climbed over the distant ridges, painting the village in soft gold. The roofs shimmered under the light snowfall, smoke curling lazily from chimneys far below. It felt peaceful, almost like the world had paused just for us. Eventually, Revali stood, stretching out his wings with a low sigh.

"Come on," he said, glancing back at me. "If we stay any longer, the others will think I've taken up nesting."

"Wouldn't want to ruin your image," I teased, grinning as I brushed the dirt from my hands and followed him down.

We brought the main fragment back with us--it was heavier than expected, but together we managed to get it to the general store. The shopkeeper's eyes nearly bulged out of his head when he saw it.

"A star fragment! By the Goddess, you two really found one?" he gasped, already bustling around for a scale.

"Of course we did," Revali said with his usual confidence, flicking an invisible speck of dust from his feathers.

The fragment was sold for a hefty sum, and the storekeeper promised the profits would go toward new supplies for the village, medicines, thread, and food reserves before the next snowstorm hit. That left me with some spare rupees, so I grabbed a few small things for myself: wire, string, and a strip of soft leather.

By midday, I'd found a cozy perch near the upper terraces of the village, a little flat landing surrounded by nests and overlooking the horizon. I spread my supplies out beside me, determined to start crafting. As always, the Rito children were the first to find me.

"What are you doing, (Y/n)?" one of them chirped, peeking over my shoulder.

"Making something special," I said, smiling. "Want to help?"

That was all it took. Within minutes, half a dozen kids had gathered around, bringing bits of thread, beads, and shiny feathers they'd found. We spent hours there, piecing things together while laughter filled the air.

"Pass me that string," I said, holding out my hand.

"Here!" a little Rito boy squawked, dropping it into my palm.

By the time the sun had started dipping again, our fingers were sore, our clothes dusted with glitter and tiny shards of light. Finally, I sat back and held up the results, three finished accessories.

"Alright!" I announced proudly, holding each one up to show. "An anklet for Revali, a necklace for Alora, and one bracelet for me."

Each piece had a small star fragment woven into it, subtle, but bright enough to glow faintly in the dimming light. Revali's anklet even had an extra shard dangling loosely from the end, a popular Rito style I hoped he'd actually like.

The children all gasped as they put their own creations together, tiny star pieces glimmering softly.

"They're glowing!" one girl exclaimed, flapping her wings in excitement.

"Only when we're all close!" another said. And it was true. Apart, the pieces dimmed, but when held together, they pulsed with warm light.

"Good job, everyone." I smiled around at them, pushing myself to my feet. "You've all outdone yourselves."

"Are you going to show Alora?" a little voice asked.

"That's the plan." I brushed my hands off. "Anyone know where she's been all day?"

The group answered all at once, a jumble of half-heard words that all said the same thing: Alora had been running herself ragged helping the sick. The village had been hit hard lately, and it sounded like she hadn't rested at all.

"I hope I didn't start that," I winced. Then, with a sigh, I gathered my things and started my search.

I checked every hut, every shop, even the cooking fires near the center square--but no Alora. Eventually, my wandering led me toward the Village Chief's hut, where I suddenly heard a very familiar voice drifting through the open window.

Revali.

I froze, pressing my back lightly against the wall, listening. His voice was low but tense, clipped with annoyance.

"I can't just ask someone," he said sharply. "There should be no reason for me not to go alone."

A pause. Then the Chief's deep, booming laugh shook the air. "But the princess specifically requested this, Revali! You know how she is--the rest of the champions will be taking companions as well."

The champions? The princess? My stomach tightened. What were they talking about?

"I pilot a divine machine for her," Revali shot back. "Why does she care if I bring someone?"

"You take things too seriously," the Chief chuckled again. "Finding someone should be easier than buttering a cucco wing. Just let me know when you do, and I'll send word to the princess."

Footsteps approached the doorway. Panic jolted through me. I stepped away quickly, trying to make it look like I was just... admiring the view or something. Then I started walking down the stairs, fast. Maybe he wouldn't--

"You know eavesdropping is impolite, right?"

I froze mid-step. My heart skipped a beat before hammering full force. Slowly, I turned around. Revali was standing at the top of the stairs, one brow raised, wings folded neatly across his chest.

"Uh--" My voice cracked. "Sorry! I didn't mean to. I was, um... looking for Alora."

"Of course you were." His tone was all sharp edges and dry humor.

"I was!" I insisted quickly, holding up the necklace I'd made for her like proof. "See? I was just--uh--" My hand dove into my pocket. "Actually, I'm glad I ran into you."

That caught his attention. His feathers twitched. "Oh?"

"Yeah." I pulled out the small anklet I'd made, holding it out with both hands. "Because I made this."

For a moment, he just looked at it, the braided leather, the gleaming star shard that caught the sunlight, and then his expression softened, the faintest glimmer of surprise breaking through his usual calm.

"You made this?"

"Yeah," I said, trying to sound casual, though my cheeks were already warming. "You know, as a thank-you. For last night. And maybe... as an apology for the trouble I've caused."

Revali took the anklet from me carefully, the glow of the fragment catching in his eyes. "Hm. I suppose it's acceptable craftsmanship."

I laughed. "I'll take that as the highest praise you're capable of."

He didn't deny it, but the faint upward curl at the edge of his beak said enough.

"So what are you up to for the rest of the day?" I asked, trying to sound casual. "I heard something about you having to pick someone for something?"

Since he'd already caught me listening in earlier, I figured there was no point hiding it now.

Revali gave a quiet groan, rubbing at the side of his head. "I was planning to head to the flight range for more training, but now I'm plagued with another issue."

"Oh?" I tilted my head.

"The princess is hosting a grand event—a gala of sorts for the kingdom's elite. All of the champions are required to bring a guest."

"Required?" I frowned, following him down toward the landing.

"Apparently so," he said, wings folding neatly behind his back. "From what I can tell, everyone invited holds some kind of influence or authority. I have a few guesses as to her reasoning, but I'd rather confirm them before jumping to conclusions."

"I see," My gaze trailed off toward the horizon before settling back on him. "Any idea who you're going to take?"

Revali exhaled sharply. "None. It's apparently a rather important affair, so my choice will reflect on both myself and the village. I'd rather not pick carelessly."

We both stood there for a moment, the breeze tugging lightly at my hair and his feathers. I thought for a moment, then offered, "Melany? She seems like a good option."

Revali paused, his eyes flicking to me briefly. "Perhaps," he said after a moment, though his tone was hesitant. "Though I doubt she'd be interested in such an event."

We fell into silence again, and I shifted my weight back, scanning the landing absently. I didn't realize how close I'd stepped to the edge until Revali suddenly moved, his wing snapping around my waist and pulling me back in one swift motion.

"Hey--!"

I blinked, startled, staring up at him. His eyes were wide for a heartbeat before he quickly composed himself.

"You have a horrible habit of getting yourself into trouble," he muttered, letting me go.

I turned, realizing the drop was only inches from where I'd been standing. My pulse jumped. "I... got lost in thought," I admitted, trying to laugh it off. "Thank you."

"You're welcome," he said simply, though his feathers were still slightly puffed from the jolt.

I took a breath, forcing my nerves to settle. "I need to watch where I step better."

"That would be ideal." His beak curved faintly, half exasperation.

There was a bit more small talk before I excused myself, letting him return to his duties. I still needed to find Alora anyway.

I spotted her not long after, tending to one of the elders resting in a hammock.

"Little Miss (Y/n), where have you been?" she called as soon as she saw me. Her tone was somewhere between a teacher's scolding and a mother's sigh, though the smile on her beak softened it.

Chapter Text

"Little Miss (Y/n), where have you been?" Alora's voice carried that perfect mix of scolding and amusement as she looked up from the elder in front of her.

"Hello to you too," I chuckled, brushing a few stray feathers from my sleeves.

The room she was in smelled faintly of herbs and warm wood smoke. The elders of the village usually spent time here, but unlike many older homes I'd been in, dust wasn't a problem, thanks to the airy Rito architecture. Blankets hung from the walls, and a low fire pit burned gently in the center. A large pot simmered above it, sending tiny curls of steam into the room. Older Rito feathers thin with age, so warmth like this was necessary.

It wasn't often I came to this part of the village, mostly because I didn't have any reason. But every time I did, I felt welcomed. The elders always offered little treats, candies, trinkets, even small charms. Their stories were worth lingering for.

I paused, running the past few hours through my head. How do I even explain everything that happened with Revali? I took a slow breath and began.

"I went out for a walk after dinner," I started. "And I ran into Melany. She was... upset, so we talked for a bit. Then, well, I saw Revali."

Alora raised a brow, waiting.

I continued, careful to skip the details I thought might cause more trouble, like Revali's spectacular tumble. "We ended up finding a fallen star. It was glowing, and we found it together. I even helped him recover it from the ground."

Jun, the older Rito resting nearby, let out a gravelly chuckle. "He's smitten." Their eyes crinkled in amusement, and their wings relaxed as they leaned back against their cushion.

"I think you might be right, Jun," Alora said with a sly grin, handing them some medicine and packing up her med kit.

"Smi—smitten? Absolutely not!" I sputtered, feeling my cheeks heat up. "No way. Are you out of your minds?" I waved a hand, trying to shoo the idea away. My mind scrambled to dismiss the thought entirely. No one had ever fancied me before, and honestly, I was perfectly fine with that.

Jun chuckled again, the sound like gravel rolling in a gentle stream. Alora rolled her eyes but didn't comment, clearly enjoying my reaction.

I decided to redirect the energy. Stepping close behind Alora, I threw an arm around her shoulders and, with my other hand, clipped the necklace I had made for her around her neck. It fit perfectly.

Alora froze for a moment, then glanced toward the small mirror on the wall. Her eyes widened, and a gasp escaped her beak. "(Y/n)! Where did you get this?"

"That star I told you about," I said, pointing to the tiny shard nestled in the wire and leather. Her gaze followed and lit up. She pulled me into a tight hug, her feathers brushing against my shoulders. I noticed she also had the matching bracelet I made for myself and smiled.

"They say a fallen star is a sign from Hylia herself," Jun added from where they lounged nearby.

"What kind of sign?" I asked, curiosity lacing my voice.

Jun only shrugged, shifting slightly. "That's up to us to find out. Sometimes it's easy to understand, other times not so much."

"I hope I figure it out soon then," I said, glancing at Alora, whose fingers fiddled with the necklace as if it were the most precious thing she owned.

She looked at me with a bright grin. "Well, thank you. This... this is amazing."

I helped her gather her things as she prepared to leave, carefully tucking the necklace under her cloak so it wouldn't snag. Maybe these little accessories weren't just pretty—they could be good luck charms, too.

I couldn't help but feel a soft, lingering warmth in my chest as the door closed behind her. A fallen star, a gift, and maybe a little magic after all.

--

"(Y/n)..." 

I heard the sudden call of my name, distant and echoey.

"Hmm..?" I was standing on top of Rito Village, right next to Vah Medoh. The slow breeze was icy and my skin was freezing, yet I was unfazed as I walked to the Divine Beast. Everything was hazy like a light fog had settled over the land. Small ice particles sparkled sporadically all around, suspended where they were.

The air was thin but felt weightless, myself included as I searched around. My feet seemed to mechanically move themselves closer to the foot of the large machine. I knew it was dangerous to get any closer but my steps continued to lead me anyway. I had no urge to fight it.

"Hello?" My voice echoed out, using one hand to cup the side of my mouth. When it fell back to my side, the texture of clothing my fingers touched caught my attention. I was wearing a dress. It had small, short sleeves and flowed freely as the wind pushed it around. A deep, square neckline decorated the top with many beautifully placed beads. The majority of the fabric was a dark blue.

"Finally," Revali stepped out from nowhere, stopping right in front of me. My gaze was forcefully moved from my clothes to the Rito, "I thought I'd be up here forever waiting." It was the same Revali I knew, only, he was all dressed up. He wore an elegant, dark blue cloak with a silver chest plate and his feathers were done all neatly; far from how I've ever seen him. The weird thing? He looked pretty good. Handsome actually.

"You're all done up." That was all I could think to say. It was the only thing on my mind, "What's the occasion?" I crossed my arms with a laugh, my fingers feeling my own feathers as they brushed over each other.

"Meeting you here of course." Revali stepped closer, the wind growing stronger as he held out a wing, "I don't just wait for anyone."

My eyes flicked from his face to his wing, then back again. Suspicion curled in my stomach, but my lips curved into a skeptical smile anyway. "Oh really?"

"Really." His voice was steady, warm.

Hesitant, I reached out. The moment my fingers touched his, heat rushed into my hands--steady, anchoring--and he pulled me closer with ease. I wanted to say something, ask something, but my lips wouldn't form the words. Even though everything felt wrong, it also felt oddly right.

Thoughtlessly, I glanced down, seeing long, [color] feathers lining my arms. They protruded from the midway point on my bicep, all the way down to the dorsal side of my hand.

There were more protruding from my lower back, their growing point perfectly aligned with my hips. The ends of them fell near my ankles, decorated with [black/white] tips and a few scattered [s/color] stripes. I raised a hand to my eyes, feeling even more, tiny feathers lining around the tails of my eyebrows. They felt soft and sleek, delicately resting on my skin.

Before I could turn my eyes away from where they rested, Revali leaned in close, "You're..." His voice was only a whisper as he wrapped a wing around my waist. My heart dropped, already preparing for what he had to say, "alluring, to say the least."

My eyes widened, darting to his in disbelief. His expression was relaxed, and a slight smile rested across his face. My face flushed, probably red as my hands quickly became damp with sweat, heart fluttering. No one, not anyone I had ever met, said such a thing to me before--or looked at me that way. There's no way that this is real... I hastily glanced around, finally starting to gain some control of myself.

None of this makes any sense.

This wasn't real.

My foot stepped back and my grip on him loosened as I pulled away. I shook my head, "Wha--What?" Revali only held on tighter, not wanting to let go, "This isn't--None of this is..." I could hear rips in the fabric of the dress I wore, my skin burning as it was further exposed. Everything was so cold and the wind roared, blocking out any and all sound.

Instinctively, I reached back out in front of me, desperately trying to reach for Revali but he was gone, "Revali! Where did you go?!"

Is this what waits for me? Any good thing I have in life being torn away from me?

In the blink of an eye, my feet were swept off the ground.The world tilted violently, and I was flung into the sky. Everything spun as the palms of my hands pressed against my scalp, my finger curling tightly around my hair.

Wake up! Wake up!

-

I awoke with a gasp, fighting for my breath as I sat up. My heart drummed rapidly, filling the noise of the quiet room as I felt all my blood rush to my ears. I was frantic, searching the room around me as I came out of a deep sleep. For just a moment, my whole body felt as though it were still being tossed around and I didn't even realize that I had woken up yet.

When I managed to take in the familiar scenery, only then did I calm down. So many thoughts raced through my mind, some unwanted and some very unwanted.

What was that?! What the hell was that?!

I was quick to stand up when the weirdest parts of the dream came back to mind.

"Revali... why would he--why would he say that?" I sucked in a ragged breath and exhaled sharply, as though forcing the words out of my chest could make the memory less real.

I stumbled to the mirror, catching sight of my reflection and recoiling. My face was flushed, scarlet burning across my cheeks, and my stomach fluttered in a strange, unfamiliar way. My pulse thudded in my ears, erratic and impossible to ignore.

"No. No. No. This isn't real," I muttered under my breath, clutching the sides of the sink. "He's a Rito. And a champion. And—he's not even real. Just a dream. A stupid, ridiculous dream."

But the warmth wouldn't leave me. My mind replayed the look on his face, the way his eyes had lingered, the faint curve of his smile as though he were seeing something undeniably beautiful. Me. That realization struck harder than any fall, leaving my chest pounding and my breath shallow.

"Why..." I whispered, leaning close to the mirror, my own wide eyes staring back. No feathers around my tailbone, no strange plumes framing my face, just my arms. I peeled away a bandage from my forearm, revealing the small, growing feathers, soft and delicate against my skin.

"Alluring..." I breathed the word, the echo of his voice lingering in my mind. My heart leapt in an impossible mix of longing and guilt. No one could ever feel that about me. Not for real. The thought was almost suffocating, almost unbearable.

My heart danced at the memory of those words. Hell, they weren't even real, but I heard them. Just as much as my heart lifted, images of the Rito in my dream flashed through my mind, and my heart broke a little more with each thought.

I fought back tears, my vision blurred as reality had fully settled in. Sinking to the floor and grabbing a handful of the plumage, I ripped them out.

Why do I have to be this way?

The bandages on my second arm slipped loose with a soft hiss of cloth. I stared at the small feathers underneath, my fingers trembling as they hovered above them.

A sudden gasp sliced through the room.

My head snapped up. Alora stood in the doorway, frozen mid-step. Her eyes were huge, pupils blown wide, beak slightly parted as though the air had left her lungs.

My heart crashed against my ribs. "Alora," The name came out a squeak.

Neither of us moved. We just stared at each other like two statues caught mid-breath. My mouth worked soundlessly. So did hers. The only sound was the faint creak of the floorboards beneath me.

Why is she here? Why now?

Tears that had dried in shock started to burn my eyes again. I turned away, pressing my palm over my face. Maybe if I didn't look at her, she'd vanish. Maybe I'd vanish.

"(Y/n)..." Alora's voice cracked as she crouched slowly to my level, wings folding in carefully like she was approaching a wounded animal.

I couldn't answer. My throat was tight, my tongue heavy. All I could do was breathe in sharp, shallow bursts and pray the floor would swallow me whole.

My mind raced--How do I get out of this? What is she thinking? What's going to happen to me? Even my inner voice was spiraling, shrill and frantic. The longer her gaze stayed on me, the more unreal it all felt, like I was slipping sideways out of reality.

"(Y/n)." Her tone sharpened, not harsh, but steady. "Look at me."

It felt like her voice was coming from underwater, far away and muffled. My body began to tremble, tiny shivers starting at my hands and working their way up. I forced myself to tilt my head toward her, just enough to peek. Big, wet tears spilled over my cheeks before I even realized I was crying.

Alora's face softened immediately. "It's just me," she said gently, inching closer. "The same old Alora you've known since the start." She reached out but stopped just short of touching me. "I'm not mad. I'm not upset. I just want to make sure you're alright."

Her wing brushed my back, light, familiar, and smelling faintly of herbs and warm feathers. That scent alone was enough to break the fragile dam I'd built. A sob escaped me, rough and sudden, and before I could stop it I was leaning into her.

Alora didn't hesitate. She wrapped me in her wings, tucking me into the soft wall of feathers. "It's okay," she murmured. "I've got you."

I clutched at her feathers, shaking, the sound of my own crying strange and distant in my ears. Every time I tried to speak, more tears spilled instead. Minutes blurred together. The warmth of her hold, the slow weight of exhaustion, the smell of the fire outside, it all blurred. Eventually, without realizing it, I fell asleep curled against her.

When I came to, I was no longer on the floor but in Alora's hammock. My eyes were swollen, my nose burned, and my both of arms were rewrapped. The one I'd plucked from felt cool under the bandage, slick with ointment.

"You alright?" The voice to my right made me jump. Alora was sitting nearby, perched on a low stool, her wings folded neatly.

I rubbed my eyes and shrugged groggily.

Alora looked down at her feet for a moment, finding her words. "I'm sorry, (Y/n)."

I blinked at her, but stayed quiet. If I tried to speak, I'd cry again.

"I had a horrible dream and felt like I needed to check on you. I should've knocked."

My brow line creased. "You had a bad dream too?" My voice came out raspy.

She nodded slowly.

I drew a shaky breath. "N--Now that you know..." I swung my legs off the hammock, wobbling a little as I tried to stand. "I'll start... packing. I know you probably," My voice cracked, "probably want me out."

"Huh? What?!" Alora was up in an instant, stepping in front of me. "I never said that."

"But--" The word broke in my throat. My hands flew to my face as fresh tears surged forward. Goddess, I was a mess. I thought I'd be ready for something like this, but clearly I wasn't.

Alora moved closer, her voice firm but soft. "Nothing," she said, "and I mean nothing, will ever make me force you out. This is just a bump in the road, that's all."

I peeked at her through my fingers, my voice small. "...Really?"

She smiled, warm and steady. "Really."

Something in my chest unclenched. I sniffled, wiping my face on my sleeve before slipping from the hammock and stepping forward, hugging her tightly. She returned the embrace without hesitation.

Chapter Text

"A half-Rito," Alora repeated softly, almost to herself. The tips of her wings drummed against the tabletop. "I didn't even think something like this was physically possible..."

Her words hung in the air like a drifting feather. I sat opposite her, still fiddling with the edge of my bandages. My arms felt bare without their usual concealment of layers.

I had just finished telling her everything--slowly, haltingly. From my earliest memories as a child to the Divine Beast, to right now, every word felt like pulling a thread from a knot that had been tangled for years. My voice cracked once or twice but never broke; it felt strange. Not like confessing sins, but like finally opening a window in a stifling room.

Alora listened without interrupting except to ask if I was alright or to gently coax another detail out. A couple of times she even pushed a plate of berries toward me, urging me to eat, and though my appetite was gone, the sweetness helped keep my throat from drying up.

"So," she said at last, leaning back in her chair, "this is all tied to the day you visited the Divine Beast?"

I nodded. "He forced me to show him my arms," I frowned, eyes fixed on my twisting fingers. My voice shrank at the memory, and I rubbed my thumb along my knuckle until it hurt.

When I finally looked up, Alora's feathers were puffed out, her eyes blazing. "He did what?"

"But it's okay!" I blurted, hands up defensively. "He apologized. Owned up to it and everything."

"That doesn't make it okay." Her voice cracked like ice. But then she blinked, inhaled slowly, and her anger softened into something like worry. "I'm sorry. Go on."

She asked more questions, about the climb, about what the Divine Beast looked like up close, about what led to the argument with Revali. It all spilled out. By the time we were done, my arms and legs felt heavy, but my chest was lighter than it had been in years.

"It feels good," I admitted quietly, eyes on the table. "Telling someone. You're not...looking at me the way others have."

Alora scooted closer and laid her warm feathers over my trembling hands. "Why would I? You're not some curiosity to me."

Her words made something swell in my chest. For the first time, I wasn't sure if it was pain or hope.

"How long," she asked softly, "have you been wrapping your arms like this?"

I gave a weak laugh, trying to make it sound like a joke. "Does it matter?"

"It does." She turned my hands over, examining the rough edges of my bandages with a frown. "You're doing it all wrong."

I blinked at her. "Wrong?"

"Yes," she said firmly. "With your method, your papillae--where the feathers grow--are under constant pressure. It's harmful to the skin. And it must be uncomfortable."

She loosened the bandage on my left arm with expert fingers. I grimaced softly as cool air hit the damp skin. Her sigh was soft and strangely mournful when the feathers showed. "They're just like my Wildberries..."

"Your Wildberry?" I echoed, tilting my head. Her expression had shifted, grief pooling behind her eyes.

For a moment, she didn't speak. Her beak opened, closed, opened again. Then she said, very quietly, "I guess it's my turn to share a secret."

I sat up straighter. "Alora?"

She drew in a long, shuddering breath. "I had a child. Several years ago." Her wings curled against her knees. "She would have been about your age now."

The room went silent except for the faint hiss of the hearth.

"She was just like you," Alora whispered. "Big, bright eyes, the sweetest laugh..." Her voice trembled, then steadied with an almost defiant smile. "And beautiful [color] feathers. Just like yours."

"Alora..." My chest grew heavy. My eyes burned again, but not from shame this time. "What...what was her name?"

"Solana," she said simply.

I reached for her before I even realized what I was doing. The hug was clumsy, sudden, but she melted into it with a near silent, muffled sob. Her feathers tickled my cheek as she pressed her face against my shoulder.

We stayed like that until her breathing steadied. When she finally pulled back, her eyes were still wet but found with a fierce kind of kindness.

"Can I ask you a favor?" she said.

I wiped at my eyes and nodded. "Anything."

"Don't pluck your feathers anymore." Her grip tightened on my hands, wings gentle but firm. "I can't bear the thought of you hurting yourself like that."

Her words caught me off guard. Of all the things Alora could've asked for, this was not what I expected. Don't pluck my feathers? It sounded simple—reasonable, even—but the request felt enormous, like she'd just asked me to peel my skin off. Could I even hide them at full length? I hadn't seen them grown out since I was a child; for all I knew they'd look ridiculous. I didn't even know how to take care of them properly.

"You...you want me to leave them...alone?" My voice cracked. I'd promised her "anything," but this? This was huge. "I—I don't know—"

"I'm not trying to force you," she interrupted gently, holding her hands up like she was calming a skittish animal. "Please don't do it if you don't want to. But..." She took a breath, her feathers lowering. "I can show you ways to hide them. Ways that won't hurt your skin while they grow."

I stared at her, then at my arms, then back at her again. My brain felt like it was turning itself inside out. "I have no idea what they'd even look like grown out," I muttered. "Is it even possible to hide them?"

Alora nodded immediately. "Of course. Many Rito do it for missions or formal events. You'd be surprised how easy it is."

My eyes drifted down to my exposed arm. The small, waxy feathers shimmered faintly in the light, obvious to anyone who cared to look. I brushed my fingers over them—light, like I was touching something fragile—and felt my chest tighten.

"Maybe..." My fingers moved to my hair, twisting strands as my body swayed a little. "Maybe I could try?"

Alora smiled faintly, like she knew how hard that word was for me to say.

"Okay," she said softly. "Would you like me to show you some things today? Or do you want to wait? You've had a long day. I don't want to overwhelm you."

"Can we wait a few days? I--"

A sharp series of knocks on the door cut me off. I jolted upright, eyes wide. Instinctively I grabbed for my bandage, trying to wrap my arm back up, but Alora stopped me. "I've got it," she said briskly, tying the fabric herself in neat, practiced loops. In seconds she had me covered, and I was left staring slack-jawed at her handiwork as she crossed to the door.

I retreated to the kitchen, scrubbing at the counters like my life depended on it. My hands moved automatically; what I really wanted was to wrap myself in blankets for a week, shut the world out, and maybe bury my face in a mountain of desserts until my brain stopped whirring. I felt raw and exposed.

From the doorway came Alora's faint voice: "I'm sorry. (Y/n) isn't feeling well today."

"That is rather unfortunate."

Every muscle in my body froze. That voice.

Revali?

He was here? He was here to see me? The thought made my stomach lurch and my face burn like I'd just swallowed fire.

No, no, no--

Without thinking, I turned on the faucet and dunked my face in the cold water. The icy sting made me gasp but it did nothing to cool the heat crawling up my neck. My pulse shifted erratically, a nauseating, dizzy kind of flutter, like being on a cliff edge with no safety net.

Stop it. Stop it. It's not real.

I squeezed my eyes shut under the water. It was just a dream. A stupid dream. He doesn't look at me like that. He doesn't-- I yanked my head back, water dripping down my face, and grabbed a towel to smother myself in.

Somewhere behind me, Alora's voice drifted from the door again, faint but pointed. "Yeah, I heard you two had quite the night." Her tone was flat, but I knew her well enough to picture the raised eyebrow, the wing propped on the doorframe.

"What is she doing?" I hissed under my breath, pressing the towel harder against my face. "Why is she making it weird?"

Revali's voice was too low to make out, but I heard it anyway, the rhythm of his speech. I imagined him standing there with his chest puffed like always, acting like nothing got under his feathers. I hated that I could picture it.

I rubbed my face dry until it hurt, mumbling into the towel: "I don't care. I don't care. I don't care."

It wasn't long before I heard the front door shut. Alora's footsteps padded across the wooden floor, but the second she saw me sitting there in the kitchen, she stopped dead in her tracks.

"(Y/n)," she whispered, her feathers puffing. Her voice was quiet, but every syllable trembled with barely restrained shock. "There is no way that bird has normal feelings for you." She jabbed a pink feathered wing toward the door, leaning over the counter like she might start shaking me by the shoulders.

I barked out a laugh that was too loud and very forced, grabbing the towel again to hide my face. "I highly doubt that."

I meant it. I really did. Revali and I were just becoming friends. That's it. Nothing more. He's a Rito Champion for crying out loud, he has his whole life revolving around duty and honor and--whatever. He doesn't have time for silly things like that. And I sure as hell didn't either.

The silence that followed was painfully heavy. I could feel Alora staring at me, unblinking. My shoulders tensed, bracing for whatever she was about to say.

"Oh my Goddess," she breathed finally, stepping closer, feathers puffed in disbelief. "You--you don't know, do you?"

My eyes flicked up, and instantly I regretted it. She looked stunned. And worse, she looked knowing.

"Don't," I said sharply, holding up a hand before she could speak. "Don't say a word. I don't want to hear it."

Her beak fell open. "You like him too!"

"I do not!" My voice cracked like lightning. I could feel my face burning, my pulse pounding at my throat. "It's not--it's not like that!"

"It totally is!" she shot back, feathers puffing even more.

"Agh!" I bent down, clutching my face, half-laughing, half-screaming into my palms. "I can't! I can't!" My whole body felt like it was short-circuiting. When I looked back up, I tried to glare at her, but instead a laugh broke free. It was loud, shaky, and helpless. "You're insane," I said, breathless. "You're actually insane."

She crossed her arms, unimpressed. "Oh, I'm insane? Because you're the one defending him like a lovesick hatchling!"

"I'm not lovesick and I'm not defending him!" I shot back, grabbing the towel again just to have something to throw at her. "I don't even see him like that!"

"Sure you don't," she muttered, clearly unconvinced.

I groaned, burying my head in my hands again. "He's just--he's Revali! You know how he is. Arrogant, self-centered, obsessed with his image--"

"And you love it," Alora interrupted with a smug grin.

I froze. My jaw dropped open for half a second before I snapped back, "You take that back."

Her grin only widened.

"Alora!"

"Alright, alright," she laughed, waving a wing. "I'll stop before you combust."

We both dissolved into giggles, the tension finally breaking.

"That overgrown pigeon never just 'wants to see' anyone," she said, pacing with a wing curled tight against her chest. "I knew something was up!"

"How do you know?" I asked, watching as she all but danced around the couch. I couldn't bring myself to believe a word she said, but why not entertain the thought?

"Please. I've lived here longer than he's been preening his feathers. I know him better than he knows himself."

"Then maybe you can tell me what's wrong with him," I sighed, crossing my arms.

She gave me a look that said, what's wrong with him--or what's wrong with you? but she didn't say it.

Instead, we ended up talking for hours--half gossip, half nonsense--until the weight of the morning finally started to fade. Later, we bundled up and took a walk to clear our heads. The air was crisp, the first flakes of snow swirling through the clouds. The breeze nipped at my nose, but it was soft and gentle, like a calm after the storm.

A new restaurant had just opened near the village. It was all anyone had been talking about, so naturally, we had to see it for ourselves.

I pulled my cloak tighter around me as we walked. The thick wool sleeves draped to my thighs, and the cotton scarf wrapped around my neck kept most of the chill away. I'd thrown together a simple outfit beneath--a leather skirt, long-sleeved shirt, leggings, and, of course, my bandaged arms. Comfortable, safe, and not remotely noticeable.

Alora brushed snowflakes from my hair as we stepped inside, the warmth immediately washing over us. Lanterns cast a golden glow across the tables, and soft chatter filled the air.

"Should I have dressed nicer?" I whispered. "Everyone here looks like they walked out of a noble's mansion."

"You look fine," she assured, giving me a wink. "But, here," She unclasped a delicate necklace from her own neck and held it out to me. A tiny gem caught the light, sparkling fiercely. "You could use a little shine."

I blinked, caught off guard. "Alora, I can't--"

"Shh." She clipped it around my neck before I could protest.

"Fine," I said, grinning despite myself. "But you're not getting it back if it looks good."

We were seated quickly and handed menus the size of storybooks. I flipped mine open, immediately overwhelmed.

"Ninety-five rupees for a sandwich?!" I gasped.

Alora nearly choked on her drink. "It better sing to me while I eat it."

We laughed until the waiter came, ordering the cheapest thing we could find to share. When the food arrived, the smell alone nearly had me drooling.

Between bites, the conversation drifted again back to gossip, small talk, and anything but the heaviness from that morning.

"You know," I said between sips, "Revali still has to find someone for that Gala the princess is hosting. Apparently, he's having trouble finding a plus-one."

Alora spat out her drink. "He--what?!"

"What?" I laughed. "Why are you freaking out?"

Her feathers fluffed slightly, her expression suddenly unreadable. "Nothing! Just trying to think who he could possibly take."

I squinted at her, suspicious. "Right..."

She smiled a bit too wide and far too quick, and I decided not to push it.

After all, it didn't matter. None of it did. Revali was Revali. And I... well, I didn't feel anything.

Chapter Text

"Who do you think he'll take?" I asked, trying to sound casual as I poked at the last bit of food on my plate.

"I don't know if you'll like it," Alora said with a little laugh, her feathers fluffing up mischievously. "Maybe that's why he came by today."

I rolled my eyes. "Please. He probably just needed to borrow something. It's not like we're--" I waved a hand vaguely, "--whatever you're thinking. It wouldn't even make sense. A Rito and a Hylian? Come on."

"I mean..." Alora's gaze dipped toward my arms before meeting my eyes again. "You're here."

That gave me pause. I huffed and took a long sip of my drink to fill the silence. "That's different. I'm not... involved with anyone. I never have been."

Her beak tilted into a sly grin. "You sound awfully defensive."

"I just don't like when people assume things," I muttered, setting my cup down a little too firmly. "That's all there is to it."

"You'll never know until you try," Alora said lightly, pretending to study her food. Then her eyes flicked toward something behind me. "Although, I don't think you'll be able to avoid him much longer."

"What's that supposed to mean?" I asked, turning to look.

My heart nearly stopped.

Revali sat just a few tables away, Melany was seated across from him.

Alora's eyes sparkled with amusement, but I could barely breathe. Melany was practically hanging off her seat, talking with her wings, animated and loud. Revali, on the other hand, looked about two sentences away from bolting.

"See? He's clearly interested in other people," I whispered, maybe a little too quickly. "You can stop with your theories now."

"Uh-huh," Alora murmured, smirking as she sipped her drink.

I wasn't going to look again, but my eyes betrayed me. He was wearing the anklet. My anklet. The small star fragment caught the lanternlight every time he moved, glowing faintly. My stomach twisted.

"He's just... being polite," I said under my breath, trying to convince both of us.

"Sure," Alora teased.

Then Revali looked up, somehow finding my eyes in an instant.

It was only for a second, but it felt like forever. My pulse jumped. I nearly dropped my cup. His expression didn't change much, but his eyes lingered for just a moment longer before he looked away again.

I turned back to Alora in a panic, whispering, "Oh Goddess, he saw me. What am I supposed to do? Do I wave? No, that'd be weird. Should I--no, forget it. It doesn't matter."

Alora was grinning so hard I wanted to throw my napkin at her. "You don't need to do anything. He's having dinner. You're having yours. Simple as that."

"Right," I breathed, fanning my face. "Simple. Totally simple."

The snow had thickened by the time we left the restaurant. The world felt softer, quieter--the streets glowing gold under the lanterns.

"It's pretty," Alora said as we walked, snowflakes catching on her feathers.

"Yeah," I murmured, tugging my scarf tighter.

We reached the last step leading to Alora's porch. My thoughts were still tangled somewhere between denial and irritation when my boot hit a slick patch of ice.

"Oh Hylia--!"

The world tilted. My arms shot out instinctively, but I barely had time to react before something firm caught me—a quick, steady push between my shoulders that righted me before I could hit the ground.

I blinked, breath catching when I turned.

Revali stood there, his wing half-raised, the faintest trace of snow melting on his feathers. His expression was unreadable, concern flickering and gone again in an instant.

"I need to talk to you," he said quietly.

My mind blanked. "Did something happen?" I managed, voice tight and too fast.

He shook his head once, drawing in a slow breath, eyes flicking away as though searching for the right words.

I've endured plenty over the years but this--this was entirely new territory. My eyes looked him over, stopping at the small, rosy pink feathers found just below his eyes. Much like making my small drawing of him, I could feel my ears grow hot. He was an attractive Rito, that was obvious, but I wasn't sure if that was my non-Hylian genes talking or not.

"I," He began, shifting his eyes back to me before looking away again, "I want to know," There was another pause, longer than the last. He was visibly becoming frustrated, most likely with himself as he grumbled.

I blinked, startled by how uncharacteristically hesitant he sounded. "Yes?" I asked carefully, clasping my hands together. My nails dug into my palms—anything to keep me grounded. 

My cheeks were ice cold, snowflakes melting on my skin and landing in my hair. Hearing my voice, Revali regained eye contact with me. My lips turned into a downward smile, watching as he became flustered and making sad attempts to try and hide it. It was admittedly cute, but I was still so tense that I couldn't do much more than that.

"I am here to ask if you would be my plus one for the princess's Gala?" He blurted out. Like he just set down a huge weight, almost all signs of discomposure were gone. It seemed most of his confidence had returned within a second, though he was a tad out of breath.

My jaw dropped, the cold air rushing into my lungs. "You--you want me?"

His expression didn't waver. He nodded once, wings tucked neatly at his sides.

"You want me to be your plus one? For the gala?"

Another nod.

I blinked at him, dumbfounded. This had to be some kind of misunderstanding. "Why not Melany? Wouldn't she be--I mean, you two were literally having dinner together. Wouldn't that make more sense?"

Of course, there was nothing wrong with a Hylian going with a Rito but— Oh I can't get my thoughts straight. Words were just pouring out of my mouth faster than I could process them. Revali however, seemed completely cool and clear-headed about this.

Revali tilted his head slightly, looking unimpressed. "Melany," he said evenly, "was never one for formal events. She talks too much and listens too little."

I tried not to laugh but failed, a tiny snort escaping before I could stop it. 

His feathers smoothed at my response, and then, without another word, he reached behind his wing and produced a small box. He held it out for me to take. His composure had returned, though I noticed the faintest tremor at the tip of his wing.

My fingers brushed against his feathers as I accepted the box, and my heart immediately betrayed me, racing like a startled cucco. "Are you sure about this? I mean, me? There are probably dozens of Rito who'd--"

"I am sure," he said firmly, cutting me off before I could dig myself deeper. "It is only a formal engagement, not a proposal."

That earned a nervous laugh out of me. "Right. Yeah. Just a fancy get-together. Totally normal." I turned the box over in my hands, watching how the snow melted against the black lacquered surface. "Still... you're certain you want me to go?"

His gaze softened slightly. "I wouldn't have asked otherwise."

I swallowed, unsure of what to do with that answer. Finally, I nodded. "Okay... then I'll go."

Revali's expression shifted back into his usual confidence, his wings folding neatly as he exhaled. "Good."

He turned as if to leave, but something inside me refused to let him have the last word. "Wait," I blurted.

He stopped mid-step, one wing halfway extended.

"Only if..." I hesitated, suddenly aware of how ridiculous I might sound, "you help train me."

He looked at me like I'd just spoken another language. "Train you?"

"My archery. I've made plenty of mistakes, ones I've learned from," my hands gripped tightly onto the box, "but there are some I don't think I can. At least not on my own."

Revali was still, expression unchanged; bringing a feather up to the tip of his beak as if in deep thought. My hearts rhythm intensified as I waited for a response. The snowfall had begun to pick up, rapidly numbing my extremities as I shifted my weight from foot to foot.

"It's possible I could make some arrangements at the Flight Range." Revali mumbled, nodding his head lightly before looking back to me, "I'll send some details soon. As for the Gala, don't think too hard about anything like clothes or travel."

"Sure." I sputtered, still trying to keep my composure as he turned once more and walked off. He didn't say no! Relief washed over me in an instant, sighing.

Watching him for perhaps a moment too long, my eyes drifted down to his tail feathers. Something about them looked... off. Not wrong, exactly, but different. They seemed more lifted, a little puffed at the base, almost like they'd been fanned out on purpose. I squinted, pursing my lips as if focus alone could decode the mystery.

Unfortunately, I was so deep in thought that I nearly missed Revali stopping ahead of me. When I finally looked up, he was turned halfway toward me, his expression caught somewhere between amusement and smugness.

"You'll freeze if you just keep standing there," he said, voice laced with that usual sarcasm as he folded his wings.

I turned sharply away, stammering out, "Goodnight, Revali!" before bolting up the steps two at a time.

I didn't stop until I was inside, brushing past a very startled Alora.

The door had barely clicked shut before my face hit the pillow. The bed frame creaked in protest as I let out a muffled squeal, something between disbelief and giddy panic. I kicked my legs in the air like some lovestruck fool. For an unknown amount of time, I just lay there, staring at the ceiling as the entire conversation replayed in my head over and over again.

Then, all at once, my stomach dropped.

Wait. What am I doing?

I shot upright and marched straight back into the living area, where Alora sat by the small fire near the couch, the warm glow reflecting off her pink plumage. She turned to me with a look that screamed she'd been expecting this.

"Care to explain what happened?" she asked, gesturing to the door with her wing.

I hugged myself, swaying a little, my nerves a tangled mess. "He asked me to go."

Her beak dropped open. "To the gala?"

I nodded quickly.

"I knew it!" Alora clapped her wings together in delight, tugging me toward the couch. But instead of letting me sit, she pointed at the open floor space. "Show me. All of it."

I groaned. "Do I have to?"

"Yes."

So I did. Every awkward pause, every word, every time I tripped over myself, much to her growing amusement. When I finally mentioned his feathers, her excitement flickered into something more serious.

"Hold on. His what?"

"The feathers at the end of his tail," I said, gesturing roughly. "They looked... strange? Like puffed out? I don't know."

She blinked at me. Then she snatched a pencil and some paper from the end table. "Draw it."

"What?"

"Just do it. Humor me."

With a sigh, I crouched beside her and tried to sketch what I remembered. My artistic skill was questionable at best, but when I slid it back to her, Alora froze. Her feathers visibly lifted.

"What? What's wrong?" I asked, heart pounding.

She didn't answer right away, just started sketching again beside mine. Two sets of Rito outlines. In one, the feathers were sleek, tucked, normal. In the other, the tail feathers flared slightly outward.

"This," she said, tapping the first, "is normal posture. Relaxed. Comfortable." Then she hesitated, her eyes flicking toward me before she tapped the second. "And this... well. It's something Rito sometimes do unintentionally when they're... fond of someone."

"Fond of someone?" I echoed slowly.

She winced. "Attracted, maybe. It's, well, it's a display thing. Not always on purpose. Sometimes instinctive."

I stared at the page. Then at her. Then started laughing, sharp and breathless.

Alora looked at me like I'd lost it. "You're taking this... well."

"I'm not!" I managed between laughs. "What the hell am I supposed to do knowing that?"

Her feathers ruffled awkwardly. "Well, for one, we don't know for sure that's what he was doing. Maybe he just... fluffed up? It's cold."

"Oh, yes, because the great Revali was cold," I said, dramatically throwing my hands in the air.

"Maybe!" she snapped back, though her beak twitched in a grin.

I groaned, slumping into the couch beside her. "I can't--I can't be the one he picks. Or whatever this is." I reached into my pocket and pulled out the small box I'd been given. "I forgot to open this."

Alora leaned closer, her feathers brushing my arm as I lifted the lid.

Inside was a comb.

It was small and beautiful--the kind of craftsmanship that made your breath catch. One half was carved from wood that smelled faintly of pine, streaked with gold flecks like sunlight through leaves. The other half was made from smooth green stone, possibly jade, with delicate patterns etched along the surface.

"It's gorgeous," I whispered, tilting it toward the firelight. "This must've cost a fortune."

Alora nodded slowly, her expression shifting as she studied it. "It's an... interesting gift," she said after a moment, voice quieter now.

I turned it over in my hands, my pulse quickening again. "Interesting how?"

She hesitated, her wings fidgeting. "It's not something you give to someone you don't think highly of."

I blinked. "Highly of," I repeated flatly.

"Mhm."

The silence that followed was deafening.

"Oh, for the love of the gods," I muttered, flopping back into the cushions.

Chapter Text

"What on Hylia's green earth are you doing?"

"I am not embarrassing myself when I start my actual training."

"It is 5 in the morning."
   
Alora mumbled to herself, rubbing her face as she stepped around my body on the floor to find herself a drink. I wasn't sure when the Rito champion planned on sending me to the flight range with him, but I wasn't about to start ten steps behind. It had been a few days, and I had spent some time becoming active as I once was before the lynel incident.

"No better time than now." I groaned, pulling myself up from a crunch to find breakfast in the kitchen.

The Rito had found her drink and found herself by my side in an instant. Interrupting my scavenging through the cabinets as she grabbed my arm, she said, "Your growth is looking nice and healthy."

I couldn't help but laugh, yawning suddenly, "They're not so easy to sleep with anymore."

"Then maybe we start by finding a hammock for you."

Alora found a quick snack for me and I ran to find my bow, covered in dust from sitting in the corner of my room for so long, alongside my arrows, shoved beneath one of the dressers nearby. There was a possibility the bow was out of commission, worn down from time alone as the string frayed.

"Don't be long!" The pink Rito shouted as I bolted to the door, wrapping my arms without a second glance, "The practice range is dangerous when it's still so dark out."

"I'll be fine." My hand rose for a final wave to her, rushing into the cold, dark air.

The sky was dim and the fog hung low, creating a haze across the field, the targets blurred from where I stood. I found myself in the middle of the village's practice range. The air was humid and my breath fanned out in a billow of steam.

Reaching for my bow, the cold string pricked at the nerves of my fingertips as I drew an arrow. My footing was much closer than usual, only taking the first few shots as a warm-up. With a small breath, I released the tension in the string and the arrow flew, far beyond the placement of the target and I could only stare with a slack jaw. It didn't use to be this difficult before.

About four more arrows missed the target entirely, even from close range before the frustration bubbled over. Preparing another arrow, the wrap on one of my arms slipped and out came a feather. It was long. It was as though I had hit a sudden growth spurt. I froze and my grip faltered. The string wavered, then snapped back with a dull twang as I lowered the bow cautiously at first. I must've been too tired earlier morning to really notice them, my attentiveness dulled.

I threw the bow down with a huff just seconds later, prying my fingers beneath one of the bandages before peeling it off swiftly, the other soon to follow.

The air hit my skin like it was trying to teach me a lesson—cold and biting. I hadn't plucked in weeks. Alora made me promise. Said I'd thank her later. I still haven't.

There they were—my arms—patchy, bruised-looking things lined with feathers that belonged to neither Hylian nor Rito. Just... me. I stared for a long moment at the feathers hanging off my arm, disheveled and tousled from their time hidden away. The clearing felt too open, the feathers too loud.

In all my life, no matter how hard I tried, I could never fight off the urge to tear them out. I hated them and I hated that. The (f/c) that met my eyes was the color of my shame. The color that painted the word 'wrong' in gold lining. Deep down, no matter how much I convinced myself I was a mistake, that gold lining was the love of my mother and the young child that sat in the depths of my soul, untouched by the unforgiving assaults of neighbors and peers. Its shimmer was dulled, scratched, and chipped but it persisted nonetheless.

My knees were slow to meet the damp ground, sinking to sit fully. The wind stirred, shifting a few of the feathers. Without thinking, I touched them. Just my fingertips at first, then my whole hand, brushing over the ridge of a few plumes. They were soft and foreign to me, yet held the touch of my childhood before I had begun my plucking habits. It was the first time in years I reached for them without the intent to rip at my flesh.

I didn't realize how long I had sat like that before something flickered in the corner of my eye. A Rito, flying high above me, was lit by the sun that had yet to reach the tops of the surrounding hills and cliffs.

They didn't look down. Didn't see me. Didn't care.

The knot in my chest had slowly loosened, falling apart as I rose to my feet once more. The feathers on my arms ruffled in the gentle breeze, but I didn't reach for the wraps. I just reached for the bow.

Pulling the string back it felt as though I was given new strength, the wood of the bow creaking faintly as I readied my aim. Faster than I had even realized, the arrow pierced the target with a near bullseye. I watched the arrow with wide eyes, feeling something rising in my chest before pure, raw laughter broke the silence of the area.

Each laugh came from deep within my gut, making me breathless at the thought of doing something with my feathers out. Doing something right. For just that moment, it's not about hiding or proving anything to anyone but myself.

I left feeling different. New almost. But I had returned the wraps to my arms as I entered the village. Things seemed... busier than usual. The Rito were running around with a buzzed excitement and there was talk of ceremonies. I could hear Revali's voice before I could see him, confident with the slightest hint of pridefulness.

Rounding the stairs, I found him speaking to a messenger of sorts, their conversation coming to an end just as I neared.

"They should be ready by the time you arrive." The messenger—a smaller green Rito—turned nimbly, taking off with a bag with the royal emblem embroidered across the side.

Revali made quick notice of my presence, waving a wing to me, "Just in time."

I smiled, pushing down the heat I could feel rising in my face, "For what?"

"We've got some errands to run first thing in the morning." He tucked a letter into a small strap on his side, likely a list of supplies.

"I'm not sure why I need to go with you, but if you insist." I shrugged, our attention drawn to a familiar Rito's voice as she ran up, breathing heavy.

"Revali, we need to go over your part in the Updraft Ceremony!" Melany chirped loudly, the wide smile across her beak dropping the moment we locked eyes.

I gave her a polite nod, welcoming her to the conversation, "Updraft Ceremony? A Rito tradition I assume?"

Melany nodded in response, though it seemed as though she were avoiding my gaze, "Our Festival of Winds is just around the corner. Revali here," She shot him a glare, "has been neglecting his work for it this year."

I glanced at him with a slight chuckle, "The Rito Champion is a slacker? I never would have guessed."

"If you must know, I'm picking up most of the ceremony's supplies tomorrow." He rolled his eyes, blinking as someone nearby passed him a small wind charm, asking the group to help with some decorations. I was passed some ribbons to place across the banisters nearby while Melany was given a handful of intricate feather ornaments.

Revali finished his part of the work much faster than I could with mine, so it wasn't long before we were side by side, helping one another secure the glittery streamers. My mind wandered to the night he asked me to join him for the princesses' gala.

"Thank you... for the comb." My voice was quiet, keeping my words between us only, "I think it's probably the nicest thing I own now." My tone was full of humor, but I kept it sincere. I truly did appreciate it.

Revali stayed quiet for a moment, "It seemed appropriate. I'd rather not escort someone looking like she fought the wind and lost."

I gasped, elbowing him lightly with a snicker. Revali had his usual grin and we continued to help one another until every single ribbon was elegantly wrapped across the handrails of the village. Newly decorated wind chimes had been hung and echoed from every corner of every house and hut as we walked to look at the now festive village.

Everything was draped in color, with banners twisting lazily in the breeze, flowing like water overhead where they were anchored between rooftops and carved perches. Paper birds—alongside real feathers—were strung with twine, dancing as they caught the light of the sun.

"They really don't hold back," I commented.

"A Ritos pride truly is one of a kind."

I laugh under my breath, not because what he said was funny, but because everything felt just a little lighter. A long moment passed between us as we kept walking, hearing the strings of paper lanterns nudge one another as they were tied above the walkways.

"Is it always this bright?" I asked, keeping my eyes ahead.

"We build things to be seen. Especially by one another. It's not just a celebration—It's a reminder that we're still here. That we can still fly higher."

His usual pride was absent from his tone. There was a weight with it—not arrogance, but almost like he was repeating something he used to believe without question. A gust of wind blew some of my hair forward and I tucked it back without thinking, Revali watching without a word.

"It used to feel brighter."

"And now?" I tilted my head.

"Now it's just something we do. Whether we need it or not."

A child darted past, chasing a loose ribbon as laughter followed them like a string of bells. Soon we found ourselves on a quiet overlook, the village dressed almost fully for the festival below, streamers spiraling lazily in the sky as lanterns swayed from beams. I shaded my eyes, watching a strand of blue silk twist high above.

"The wind always finds what you forget to tie down." He spoke, his tone holding onto the same weight.

I thought carefully about his words, wondering what he could've been referring to. Who he could have been referring to. His words were left vague in their meaning as we were pulled away to help with some final decorations elsewhere, leaving me no room to ask him anything.

By the time the village agreed to call it a night, the sun had just gone below the horizon and decorative lanterns were lit, dangling over doorways and lighting the stairs with a gentle, warm glow. Revali helped with the more difficult tasks while I helped the kids on the ground toss up their own personally made ornaments.

It wasn't until much later into the evening, I sat at the foot of my bed, a small woven chest closed in front of me. My fingers picked at the gold clamps of the lid, creaking at the hinges as I pried it open. Inside were several garments, tunics, some threadbare wrappings, and a shawl I used to travel in often.

Digging past the surface, I brushed past layers of old fabrics, stopping the moment my fingers touched something a bit softer. I pulled it out carefully, making sure there were no worn seams ready to rip as I tugged.

It was one of Alora's older flight blouses—light, loose, made for layering. The sleeves were wide but tapered at the wrists, cinched with a tie instead of a band. The kind of thing to move with the wind, not fight it.

Holding it up to the light, it was faded around the shoulders but still in great condition. Soft and comfortable. It wasn't a statement—but something that didn't hide like the wraps had done.

I slipped it on, the fabric shifting over my arms with ease. The feathers, no longer pressed against my arms, rested quietly in the sleeves of the blouse. Not pinned down. Not plucked.

Pressing my heels to the floor, I stood and turned to the mirror, arms folded in front of me. Nothing showed but I knew. That was enough. My face was one of surprised awe as I took a seat on the edge of the bed, tugging at the wrist ties to ensure they would stay.

Perhaps tomorrow, I wouldn't wear the wraps.

Chapter Text

"Up and at 'em."

I woke up to my blanket getting ripped from my bed, the freezing air of the morning hours chilling me to the bone in an instant. I curled my legs to my chest, my arms tucked between to preserve warmth. My eyes were puffy with sleep as I lifted my head with a groggy huff.

"... What?" I nearly snapped, my voice scratchy. Glancing around the room, the sun showed no signs of rising anytime soon and shadows filled every corner. My head dropped back to the pillow with a thud and I sighed, swiftly dozing off again.

"We need to go. C'mon, (Y/n)."

Right. Alora warned me this would happen.

"Revali, can't we go when it's warmer? Just an hour or so?" My voice was barely audible to even myself, fighting off sleep with each word.

"Nope." That was all he said before I felt a pair of wings grab my hands—tucked between my legs mind you—before I was hoisted into an upright position. Every muscle cried out and goosebumps ran down my arms and legs, pleading to lie down again. My hair was rumpled, falling into my face and strewn about in all sorts of directions.

I bit my tongue, knowing my irritation would get the better of me as he lit one of the candles on the dresser. Its small glow filled the room enough for both of us to see, stinging my eyes momentarily as I groggily rubbed my face. Luckily, I had packed the night before, putting on the first layer of clothes that I would wear on this sudden trip. All I had to do now was put on my outer layers, grab my bag, and put on my shoes.

Revali passed me the jade comb he had previously gifted, and I passed it between my hands for a moment, feeling its cool, smooth surface. Taking a second to orient the item in my hand, I drowsily moved to begin fixing the mess on my head. It wasn't until I felt my shoes pressing around my feet that I realized the Rito Champion had gone and found them for me, securing them with ease.

In my sleep-deprived daze, I laughed, "Such a gentleman."

Revali didn't glance up, "I prefer 'efficient." He replied, brushing off his feathers as he rose to his feet. He found some of my outer layers, one being a special, winged travel cloak that Alora had given me the night before.

    ***

"That Rito waits for no one. I don't think you realize how he is when it comes to things like this." Alora's eyes showed worry but I gave her a smile.

"He can't be that bad." I shrugged.

The pink Rito shook her head, contemplating something clearly important before she sighed, mumbling something to herself before walking off. Each step had intention as she moved to the nearby closet, slowly pulling out what looked to be a tailored cloak.

"I had this made for you as a gift. But I think now would probably be a good time to give it to you." She said, unfolding the cloth to reveal a cloak made with wind-treated woolweave. This was a special fabric found only in the Tabantha Frontier, using the thick wool from mountain-dwelling animals and treated with wind-resistant coatings.

My jaw went slack, hurrying over to inspect it closer. It was woven in many layers and the faint pattern of flight feathers appeared, slightly coarse to the touch when my fingers brushed over it.

"I-I don't know what to say. It's so beautiful." My voice shook.

"It should be perfect for your trip. Water resistant and incredibly insulating." Alora's tone held pride, her beak spread in a wide smile.

I took the item in my hands and put it on carefully. I hadn't even realized the inside of the cloak was lined with Rito feathers until I pulled my head through it. There were many beautiful colors found, but what caught my eye was just how many pink feathers there were. Once I managed to secure myself within the cloak, I noticed the wide draping sleeves, mimicking a pair of Rito wings when I moved. The cloak fastened at my collarbone with an embroidered clasp and stormsilk—plant-based fibers woven with Rito feathers—lined the collar and trim. It shimmered faintly in the light.

"It fits perfectly." I gasped in awe, spinning around.

I thought it was time we got you something new to wear around here. I probably should've asked you but..." She reached for the cloak, flipping the bottom of it so the feathers inside were seen. Pointing to a small (f/c) feather, her smile of pride melted into something softer, "I know it's hard to believe you have a place in this world—but you do. You always will. I just thought maybe you'd feel it more if you could wear a little proof."

***

My eyes watered when Revali passed me that special cloak. I cried my eyes out hearing Alora's words when she gave it to me--seeing my own feathers sewn into the fabric alongside hers. Throwing it over myself, I adjusted the old flight blouse I had worn to bed, warned by the Rito that Revali had a habit of pulling stunts like this.

A bag--filled with all of the things I would need--promptly landed in my lap and I put it on with ease before allowing the bottoms of my shoes to reach the floor, standing from the bed slowly. Tucking the comb into a side pocket, I stretched my arms high above my head while pushing my stomach out, rousing my muscles to wake fully.

"How far are we headed today?"

"Our first stop will be in Tarrey Town in the Akkala Region. After that, we'll head over to Hateno Village in the East Necluda."

The pace of my steps faltered as we got to the landing platform, "That's an awful lot of distance to cover. You sure you still want my weight on your back this whole trip?"

"Worried about me? I'm touched." He shot me a sideways glance, one brow raised with theatrical skepticism, "Though if you're trying to flatter your way into a smoother flight, you'll have to try harder."

I instinctively rolled my eyes with a loud and flat exaggerated laugh, tossing my head back with enough deliberate flair to show I was not impressed, "Keep talking like that and I might just walk."

We were quick to take off soon after, setting sail to the east as we headed to our first destination, Tarry Town. The flight was just as you'd expect. Long and cold.

The wind howled as we soared high above the Tabantha Region, sharp and biting in the dark. I kept my arms tucked close, using the warmth of his back to keep my fingers warm beneath my cloak. His wingbeats were strong and steady, falling into a rhythm that threatened to lull me back to sleep.

Despite the chill, my eyes became heavy. The steady thrum of wind and wings melted together, creating a gentle hum and before I had a chance to even realize it, my grip loosened and my body relaxed.

Hours passed and the sky stretched on endlessly as my eyes slipped shut now and then, not sleeping, but resting. At some point, Revali shifted slightly to adjust for a crosswind. I murmured some half-lost apology, blinking awake.

"You're not going to make me carry dead weight all the way to Akkala, are you?" He said, voice dry but not unkind.

"Depends," I lifted my head slightly, "I think my soul is somewhere over Lake Totori."

"Hm. I'll let you know if I spot it."

I laughed weakly, still trying to wake up as I tightened my hold on the strap across his shoulder, "Thanks."

"Try not to drop anything else."

My heart dropped and my skin went cold. I fumbled about trying to check my belongings before I realized he was lying, smacking him on the back of the head the moment I realized I had everything.

The rest of the flight we spoke of all sorts of things, childhood traditions, foods we hated the most, and certain holidays we loved or wanted to see in other regions one day, seeing as we were picking up last-minute supplies for the festival. Before we knew it, the sun had begun descending and the flickering lights of Tarry Town were in sight.

Reaching lower altitudes, I shed what outer layers I could as the air warmed. Revali adjusted his wings and we landed with ease. I hopped off, kicking the stiffness from my legs, and followed him to the nearest smithy shop.

"If my timing's correct this shouldn't take long," Revali said. I nodded as we walked.

Inside we found a fletcher, a burly man with a worn apron, and his partner, a bowyer who worked nearby, donning a similar uniform.

The Rito got busy discussing something with the fletcher so I wandered the shop on my own, eventually striking up a conversation with the bowyer who had just finished setting aside a project. They were friendly—curious, even—and after a bit of small talk, asked if I would lend a hand with something.

It was nothing unusual at first. I was asked for my height and eye dominance before we moved to compare my arm length with one of their unfinished bows, mumbling about "balance" and "draw efficiency". They even had me test the tension of a few pre-strung bows, asking for my opinion of the finer tuning of the strings.

It all felt harmless and I humored it. It was just a bit of hands-on curiosity from someone who clearly loved their craft. I didn't mind and actually had quite a fun time as the bowyer asked me questions. Revali reappeared before long, meeting me near the back of the shop only a few minutes later with a new quiver slung over his shoulder freshly packed with new arrows. A newly strung bow rested across his back, its polished limbs catching the lamplight.

We didn't linger and after a quick set of goodbyes, stepped back out into the chilled dusk air as the shop closed for the night behind us.

"That's some clean gear. I see why you came all the way out here for it." I commented, a yawn interrupting the last of my words.

Revali gave a faint hum of agreement, adjusting the quiver on his shoulder as we began walking. The streets were quiet as the orange glow of the setting sun faded into the deep indigo of night. Lamps scattered down the sides of the road flickered on one by one as we passed. My steps dragged more than I would have liked to admit, but Revali kept a steady pace beside me.

By the time the inn came into view, tucked neatly near the far side of town, its warm light spilled through many of its frosted windows and the weight of the day had begun sinking into my bones. Reaching the front door, Revali pushed it open for me without a word and I thanked him quietly as I stepped through.

Much of the inn was still in the works as the town itself was so new, so many of the rooms were out of commission. The single room we had managed to get was modest, split by a simple wooden divider to provide even just an ounce of privacy. To their luck, there were in fact, two beds. A small candle was enough to light most of the space in a dim glow.

The room was quiet aside from the soft creaking of wood around them and the hush of wind outside. Revali had made himself comfortable on his side of the room, making some further adjustments to the gear we had just received.

I was on the other side of the divider, seated on the bed while changing into some fresher clothes. The blouse I wore—and intended to keep on for the time being—was much looser than before, the collar sagging gently as I leaned forward to fix my sleeves. The cool air around me shifted with my movements.

I sat back to fix the waist of the garment, tightening it so it wouldn't budge in my sleep. However, my foot caught awkwardly on the blanket beneath me and my weight was thrown somehow. I didn't realize how close I was to the divider and my shoulder bumped it, shifting one of the narrow slats with a sharp creak. It had just a sliver of a gap but had gone unnoticed by me until my eyes drifted over it.

For just that second I froze and panic seized my body. My collar had shifted with my weight, slipping low off one shoulder. For the first time in what seemed to be years, there was no bandage to hide what was underneath.

"Everything alright?" Revalis' voice came through. He was calm and unalarmed.

"Yeah." I replied quickly, tugging my shirt back into place and moving away from the divider in one fluid motion, "Just tired."

I was met with the sound of silence. Then, the sound of feathers shifting.

"Then rest. Before you break something."

All I could muster was a weak laugh, "Sure why not?"

No further comment came from the other side of the divider and a strange feeling of dread nagged at my gut.

Chapter Text

The next morning we took slow and steady to my surprise. I was expecting another rush before the sun had the chance to make an appearance, but by the time I roused, light was filtering through the single window of the room.

I groaned, rubbing the sleep from my eyes as I peered around the divider. Revali's bed was empty and neatly put back together. Not wasting another second, I was up and getting ready for the day, fixing my clothes and hair quickly before darting from the room.

"He's gotta be around here somewhere," I mumbled beneath my breath. Stepping into the crisp morning air outside, it seemed the whole town had come to life. Many were helping to carry supplies for new buildings in the works while others were opening shop, calling out names and prices while children dashed between crates of goods. Tarrey Town had somewhat of a welcoming patchwork charm that I couldn't help but admire.

I began to drift the streets without much direction, window shopping on my journey to find my travel buddy. There were many more wares than I expected from necessities to pure luxury items.

Soon, I stumbled across a cart stacked high with all sorts of trinkets. Next to it was another cart decorated with many finely woven scarves in sheikah patterns so vivid they looked like they were pulled straight from recent dreams. My fingers ran over the fabric in amazement before I moved on to an open-air shop nearby.

From the corner of my eye, I spotted a table draped in faded linen. Hanging from a small rack atop it, as well as scattered around the table itself, were delicate charms strung with leather cords. Miniature carved feathers, symbols of wind and wind spirals, and even a few tiny stylized Rito wings were found, made of bone or shell.

One particular charm caught my eye—a Rito feather curled as though it were taken by a wind current, an inlaid piece of pale blue glass found near the base of it. Simple and beautiful. I hesitated before touching it, almost worried I'd break it as the pads of my fingers felt its texture.

I don't know why I kept touching it. I wasn't going to buy it. This trip wasn't even for me. Still... I couldn't help imagining how it would hang from my bowstring. What it would mean to wear something just because I liked it and not because it hid something.

I slid my thumb along the edge one more time before something shifted. A hush beneath the hum of the market, just enough to tug at the back of my neck. I looked up and saw him.

Revali was across the walkway. Not close and not obvious, just standing there speaking with a vendor. He held an oddly shaped package in his hand and his eyes were on me. Not at the charm or the stall. Me.

My breath caught and I let go of the charm. It swung gently on its cord and I stepped away slowly, like it hadn't mattered. Like it hadn't touched something I buried. My eyes averted from his as I moved to look at the other stalls, waiting for him to finish whatever he was doing while I shifted deeper into the crowd. Eyes ahead, like nothing had happened.

The feeling lingered though, his gaze still warm on my back like he had seen something I didn't mean to show. I pretended to study the next stall that caught my eye, full of hand-dyed fabrics and soft leather satchels. Nothing in particular stood out until I took a few more steps, catching sight of a special piece of clothing. A tunic. The cut was simple but elegant, with wind-thread embroidery along the collar and sleeves. Fitted enough not to billow in flight, but loose enough to layer. Across the shoulders, stitched with careful intention, was a narrow half-cape barely long enough to reach my elbows, split down the back to allow wing space. That is if one needed it.

And the sleeves—

My breath caught once more. The sleeves were clever—stitched with a soft inner lining that could stretch and shift. Not tight or harsh and clearly designed for a range of movement. The material and textures used wouldn't snag on feathers like the usual tunic. Near the seams along the back and under the arms, were clean, intentional openings, cut for wings to pass through entirely. Entirely unhidden and unbound.

It was a piece made not only for gliders, but for Rito.

I reached out before I could stop myself, brushing my fingers along the edge of the capelet. It was cool under my touch, very lightweight but strong. It was the kind of cloth that moved with the wind. Something sparked under my ribs. I didn't need it. But I wanted it. Even though I knew I'd never wear it.

My hand dropped from the fabric like it burned. I stepped back half a pace before I could give myself any longer to think about it.

"Not a bad choice," a voice spoke up just behind me.

I jumped slightly and turned to see Revali who stood a pace back, arms holding the same oddly shaped bundle wrapped in oilcloth, tied with a thin leather cording across his chest.

"How long have you been—?"

"Long enough to know you nearly walked into a ladder display two stalls back."

I gave him a look and he gestured toward the tunic with his beak. "It suits you."

I glanced back at it, my hand still hovering near it, "...It's nice. But it's not for me." It was a beautiful piece of fabric and my mind wandered to imagine myself wearing it. Chuckling to myself at the absurd thought, I shook my head.

Revali stepped closer, holding the bundle out to me, "For you," he said simply.

I blinked at it, "What is it?"

He tilted his head, not quite smirking. "Open it."

I took it carefully in my arms, my fingers brushing his feathers for the briefest moment before walking just off the path to set it down. The wrapping was soft as I untied the cord around it. Inside—carefully tucked within layers of padding—was a bow. Sleek, balanced, and beautifully made with gentle inlays I didn't recognize. Next to it, nestled in a tied pouch, were specially crafted arrows. They were lighter, built to cut through the air swifter than an arrow you'd find in a general store. It was possible they were made with special Rito techniques.

Much like Alora's gift to me, I was speechless. My fingers hovered over the wood, tracing the subtle engravings found close to the grip.

"If I'm going to train you, you'll need something a little more advanced. I had it adjusted when we were at the smithy last night," He said, watching my every movement, "to fit your draw. You seem to favor your left shoulder when you're tired, so I had the tension corrected."

I stared at the bow. Holding it, it felt like something that had me made with me in mind—but not just for utility, but with understanding.  

"Why?"

His feathers shifted, "Because I highly doubt that old bow you carry around would teach you much more."

I smiled, barely, "That's not a real answer." That old bow would have gotten me much farther in training I was sure of it.

He didn't respond and silence stretched between us. It wasn't uncomfortable or cold, but full.

My grip tightened around the bow. "Thank you, Revali." I turned to face him, warmth blooming in my chest. His eyes flicked back to mine.

"Don't thank me yet," he said quietly. "Prove it was worth it."

Then he turned and started walking, expecting me to follow. And I did.

Our next stop was Hateno Village—or so I thought. The flight wasn't nearly as long, just a quick trip south, over Zora's domain where we picked up a few last-minute supplies for the festival. I had never been and Revali got to witness firsthand my reaction to the culture and architecture.

The Domain shimmered like something pulled from a book, all cascading light and soft, iridescent stone. I must've looked ridiculous, craning my neck and spinning in place like a child at their first festival.

Revali made a noise behind me, something between a sigh and a scoff. "You're going to fall into a fountain," He said.

"Worth it," I spoke, not looking away. "I've never seen anything like this. How is it even real?"

He stepped beside me, shifting the small parcel of supplies in his arms. "You currently stay in a near-floating village surrounded by wind currents unlike anything else and the highest cliffs in the kingdom. And this is what leaves you breathless?"

All I could do was blink at him, grinning, "It sparkles."

He went quiet, muttering almost to himself, "I guess it does."

I laughed lightly, but I didn't look at him as I remained focused on the environment. That was until I felt the silence stretch. When I turned, he was already glancing away, eyes sharp but... thoughtful.

"What?" I asked, brow raised.

"Nothing," He said. "Just making sure you don't walk off the edge in your daze."

I rolled my eyes and stepped ahead. "You say that like you'd miss me."

He didn't answer right away, and another silence stretched between us for just a second too long.

"Come on," He finally spoke, already moving to leave. "We're not here to admire puddles."

We made it to Hateno Village just a few short hours later, the evening soon to be nearing as we landed. Dark clouds had gathered swiftly behind us rolling, pressing the sky into a slate-gray canvas. The air became thick with the scent of rain, and there was distant thunder booming not too far off.

Our steps were urgent as we navigated the winding paths of the village, the steady patter of raindrops practically chasing us. By the time we had managed to find shelter at the inn, my clothes clung to my skin, soaked through and heavy. Revalis' feathers were matted and dripping from the sudden downpour.

"You look like a wet cat." I couldn't help but tease him as we exchanged tired glances. The chill had settled deeper into our bones the longer we waited out the storm but the room we managed to grab was modest and warm. A refuge from the humidity and dampness that clung to us like a second skin. We set our gear down with a grateful sigh and dried off the best we could in the meantime.

To our luck, the rain didn't take long to soften, turning into a mist that hovered in the early evening air. As the storm had begun to fully ease away from the town, we heard word from someone at the inn about a hot spring nearby, just past the village limits. We were hesitant at first, but I eventually caved and grabbed a few towels for myself, too cold to wait any longer.

Revali was kind enough to let me go in by myself, already much drier compared to five minutes ago. "I'll keep watch nearby. If anything happens I'll hear it."

I nodded, grateful. Maybe even a little relieved. I waited until I was sure he was gone before I removed anything, slipping into the water as fast as I could. Seeing as the water was very clear, I took one of the smaller towels with me, just to cover enough of myself to ease my mind. It wrapped around my torso perfectly, but it wouldn't do enough if I tried to dry off with it.

Once settled, I took a look at the plumage on my arms, noticing new feathers growing up almost to my shoulder now. New feathers had made an appearance around my collarbone, small and waxy as they stretched down to my chest. My hands were beginning to change too. Faint downy feathers had begun to cover the backs and it was clear that it was becoming almost impossible to hide them now. My stomach and legs remained bare however.

My tail was a completely different conversation. They had grown long and I was having trouble sitting with them as of late. Tucking them into my pants was also becoming very uncomfortable at the end of the day.

I felt around the back of my neck, worry almost consuming me as I felt the start of new feathers growing from the base of my skull to the bottom of my lower back. We'd have to get back to Rito village soon so I could find a way to hide this. I had continued to pluck the ones on my face, but I was just barely getting away with that as I hid it from Alora.

Shaking my head, I let it fall back against the rock, letting out a long breath. The spring pulsed around me, hot and still. My eyes closed. I didn't even realize how tense I had been until now.

Revali hadn't said anything in a while. Maybe he'd drifted into one of his silent thinking modes. Or maybe he was just giving me space.

Giving myself a break from thinking about the feathers spread around my body, I relaxed for what felt like the first time in days.

Then the world exploded. Or at least it felt like it did.

A snarl ripped through the steam, followed by the sound of feet pounding through wet ground. I barely had time to scream before something lunged out of the brush, a flash of metal swiping past my eyes.

I twisted out of the water, slipping on the mossy rocks. A person stood in front of me. They wore a skin-tight suit, red with black accents, their face covered by a sleek white mask. In the middle, the sheikah symbol was painted upside down.

The strange person neared in an instant and I managed to fend them off with a series of kicks before Revali's voice tore through the air—"Stay down!"—but I was already bleeding.

An arrow pierced straight through their skull and the stranger vanished in a cloud of dust.