A Couple of Trials (ZeLink)

Chapter 87: A Temporary Farewell

The sky began to gradually lighten with the breaking of dawn, illuminating the shoreline and suffusing the land in a golden glow as the sun appeared to rise from the ocean beside Necluda. Though the morning was only just properly beginning, many of the villagers had already risen and were currently crowded around Lurelin's entrance. They looked on as their guests prepared to journey back to their own homes—the Rito stretching their wings, the Zora counting the extra fish they would be taking back to the Domain with them, Yunobo yawning as he tried to wake himself properly, and the Hylians saddling their horses or donning their armor—for all of the time they had allotted to spend in Lurelin Village had come to an end.

"It looks like we'll be the first to take our leave," Teba said as he looked around at the rest of the departing visitors.

"Well, we didn't come with much," Kass replied, ruffling his wings before spreading them out. "Just the bows and accordions on our backs."

"And me!" Tulin cheered. "I was also on my dad's back, and I'll be on it again so I can use my winds!"

"That is true, my dear Tulin! That you will be," Kass laughed, bringing his wings back in. "You're doing fine work for us."

The fledgling smiled brightly, prompting Teba to chuckle.

"You know, son, one day you'll have to make these flights on your own," he said.

"Yeah, but not today," Tulin said confidently. "I have wind training to do."

"It seems he already has a plan going forward," Kass said. Teba sighed.

"It seems so. I don't think he realizes how heavy he's getting," he remarked. "My back can't take much more of this."

"It sounds like you need to do some training, too!" Tulin said with a laugh.

"It seems as though you all are in good spirits," a kind and cheerful voice said.

The group of birdmen looked to see the princess and her knight approaching. No longer were they in their loose-fitting Lurelin outfits, for Zelda had changed back into her traveling gear, while Link had reoutfitted himself with a Hylian Tunic and the padding that went along with it. It took a second longer to notice the Sheikah following behind them. The bard of the Rito bowed slightly.

"We are indeed," he answered as he straightened once more. "It was a pleasure and an honor to spend time with you all these past few days."

"I'm happy you were able to join us, especially at the last minute," Zelda said. "I thank you for coming."

"And thanks for letting me borrow your accordion, Kass," Link chimed in. "I, uh...hope there wasn't sand or anything on or in it."

"You returned it to me in perfect condition," Kass said appreciatively.

"We should be the ones thanking you, truthfully," Teba said. "I don't usually have a reason to travel so far from Rito Village. This was a fantastic experience; one I'm happy to have been able to share with Tulin."

With a grin, he reached over his shoulder and patted his son on the head.

"It's good to expand one's horizons," he said. "I hope to show him more of Hyrule in the future. It was also nice to get some training alongside other talented individuals."

"Yeah, Prince Sidon and Yunobo were so cool!" Tulin flapped excitedly.

"Calm down, son," Teba admonished. "But, yes. Indeed they were."

"I believe I heard my name just now," the voice of the Zora prince declared as he approached, accompanied by Yunobo and Riju. "I hope I haven't missed anything important."