A Couple of Trials (ZeLink)

Chapter 83: A Long Awaited Reunion

The sun peeked from behind the mountains in the distance, spreading the orange glow of its rising throughout Hyrule. As the sky gradually brightened, the denizens of the land stirred, ready to greet the dawn. Only Rito Village was the exception, for the giant perch the village had been built on blocked much of the early morning sunrise. Unless they were innkeepers or shopkeepers, most bird-folk slept a little longer than usual; however, three particular Rito had already risen well before the crack of dawn.

"The sun has appeared," Teba said, looking toward the mountains from the largest landing of his village. "I believe it's time we get a move on. If we leave now and keep a steady glide, we should reach Lurelin by late afternoon."

"My, I hope that won't be too late in the day," his bard friend remarked, moving to stand next to him. "We're cutting it a tad close, wouldn't you agree?"

"Rather be a little late than not show up at all, I'd say," Teba replied. "Not that I like being late, but we were told about all of this rather last minute. The princess will understand–"

"Oh, oh! I know a way we can get there fast!" the youngest of the three called out. Both adults turned to look at the fledgling standing behind them, his wings outstretched in excitement. "We can use my wind!"

"Ah, that is true," Kass said with a smile. "We would fly quite fast if we had the power of gusts on our side."

"We would, but are you sure you're up for it, Tulin?" Teba asked, kneeling before his son. "Lurelin Village is on the complete opposite side of Hyrule. It's much further than you could imagine."

"It'll be good training!" Tulin said excitedly, flapping his wings and bouncing on his talons. "You and Link said I would need to work hard to be like Master Revali! This is my chance!"

"He's got quite the spirit, doesn't he?" Kass chuckled, to which Teba hummed.

"Maybe a bit too much spirit sometimes," he sighed, only to let out a chuckle after a few moments of pondering. "Alright then, son. Let's see what you can do, but don't push yourself too hard, alright? There's a balance between hard work and arrogance."

"I understand; let's go!" Tulin exclaimed, flapping his little wings even faster.

While shaking his head as Kass laughed, the father crouched even lower, allowing his son to climb onto his back. The Rito adults nodded to each other to signal they were each ready to depart, then darted across the platform and leapt off the edge. With their wings spread, they dived downward, catching the constantly rising gusts of wind around the archipelago on Lake Totori. Flapping powerfully, they rose high into the sky, until they were among the clouds.

"Alright, Tulin! Are you ready to practice?" Teba asked over the roaring wind.

"Ready!" the little fledgling called back.

Teba told Kass to get closer. Once they were flying next to each other, Teba looked back at his son again.

"Okay, son, give your winds a try!" he called back. "Remember: try to focus your wind in one direction. We don't want them to burst every which way, otherwise we'll be blown out of our glide! Aim and focus!"

Listening to his father's advice, Tulin closed his eyes, feeling his father's back muscles shift as he kept the two of them in the air. He felt the wind around him ruffling his feathers, and heard its whistling as they flew through the clouds, before finally, he felt it building in his own wings. Opening his eyes, he stretched his little wings and gave a strong flap. Suddenly, a powerful gust of wind pushed against the Rito's backs, propelling them forward at even greater speeds than before.

"Oh my!" Kass exclaimed, his eyes squinting against the rushing wind. "Would you look at that!"

"Good work, son!" Teba called back as Tulin cheered. "At this rate, we'll make it to Lurelin Village in no time!"