Before the Wild

Revali's Flap

Zelda's timing was impeccable: It was early evening when the pair left the snow-capped mountains of Tabantha, arriving at the Rito Stable, the nearby village of the same name looming over the Hylians like a hungry Hinox. The village rested on a rock spire, twirling around it up to three-fourths its length. The bird people could be seen within and flying around the village, enjoying an evening flight. They were joined by the monstrous mechanical being in the sky, the Divine Beast Vah Medoh.

Link and Zelda left their horses at the stable, the princess deciding that she'd rather stay "in the bird's nest that the horse's stable." Link himself wouldn't have minded, and if the job didn't require him to be at Zelda's side at all times (much to the Princess' dismay. She wasn't visually happy when she saw Link following her from the stable), he would actually do some exploring of the region. He had never been to the northwestern side of the country, so a new region equated to new adventures.

But duty calls. Even when duty doesn't want him to be around.

Crossing a series of bridges and 'islands,' the pair made it to the front of the village that began the winding staircase. Present there was a few Rito guards standing behind a large, gray owl, a younger owl standing beside the larger owl , trying to blend with the feathers of the latter (father and son apparently) and a more familiar blue bird. The larger owl stepped forward, reaching his arms out to the pair. "Princess Zelda, it is a pleasure to have you come visit us. It has been some time."

Zelda smiled, taking the owl's hand. "Chief Komali. I'm afraid this isn't a visit for pleasure, but business. Divine Beast business."

"Ohhh, well, any visit to Rito Village by you is a pleasurable one." Moving his eyes, Chief Komali spotted Link, who himself was not paying attention to the matter between leaders. He glared instead at Revali, the arrogant Rito Champion sneering back. Ever since he first met the bird, Link caught a threatening vibe from him. He wasn't able to pinpoint whether or not it was jealousy that Link was the one chosen by the Master Sword, or disappointment. Whatever the case, Link didn't see much in Revali's worth either. The other Champions, save for Link and Revali, were of high standing in their societies. Mipha, Princess to the Zoras. Zelda, Princess to the Hylians. Urbosa, older sister of the Gerudo King. Daruk, highly respected member of his society. But Link was now known as Link, Hero of Hyrule (Link shuddered thinking of being the Hero). Revali? Some hotshot warrior.

"You must be the Hylian Champion, the one chosen by the Master Sword, the Hero of Hyrule." Link snapped to attention, turning to the Rito Chieftain. He nodded and bowed before the Chieftain, then silently stood back up. After a minute, Zelda elbowed Link, and made a face. Link caught the message quickly.

"Oh...umm... Yeah. Hello Chief Komali. I'm...Link."

"Sir Link," Zelda whispered harshly.

"Sir Link...sir." Link hoped the Princess would not lecture him on this later. In no part of his training was he told how to introduce himself. As for the feathered roast chuckling to himself, Link held the desire to have bird thighs for dinner.

"Oh ho ho, it is ok, Master Link. Welcome to Rito Village. Now you two must be tired. Accommodations have been made."

Zelda stepped forward. "I'll take your offer. Sir Link, you are free to do as pleased while we are in the town. I doubt I'll have need for a personal knight in the town."

Link nodded, but issued his own declaration. "If you don't leave town, you won't need me." Zelda's resulting glare satisfied Link as he backed away from the group. She would try to leave, he knows. But as long as she knew Link was watching, and if she was that desperate to stay away from him, she wouldn't leave Rito Village.