"Remarkable. It definitely appears that each Divine Beast is modelled specifically so that those of the race designed to pilot it will have the least difficulties navigating it. Though it does seem possible for those of other races to do so, it seems like it would require additional tools and equipment to do so" The princess mused, "Perhaps it was designed that way to motivate the different races to rely on each other to seal away the Calamity."
Once upon a time, Revali would have stated that Princess Zelda was the only Hylian Revali could tolerate. Clearly, he had made that assumption a little bit early. He wasn't sure if he felt pity for his fellow Champions who must have dealt with so much worse of the princess's gushing, or exasperation at the fact that he was stuck in that situation. He humored the idea of getting Medoh to tilt a little to the side and feigning a disconnect between him and the Beast, but after he had showcased how easily piloting Vah Medoh came to him, it seemed unlikely that the princess would fall for it. Besides, Link would probably find out and attempt to get retribution. It would be a shame if he had to kill the hero he was meant to protect and assist.
Despite the fact that there was a decent amount of distance between them now, Revali still could not escape the thoughts of the Hylian Champion. Or the half-Hylian Champion. The Rito wonders if there is a way he could study his clothing without seeming weird. After all, there had to be something physical that hinted at Link's Sheikah heritage. Anything that could answer a few of the many questions he was left with. He resented that he didn't see it before, the signs were all there. All that was missing was the Eye of Truth the Sheikah proudly displayed.
Revali allowed himself to be slightly comforted by the knowledge that the princess most likely wasn't aware of it. After all, as irritating as the knight was, he still would have been able to satisfy her curiosity on a number of things. Things only the Sheikah would have any knowledge one. The princess would have been much more comfortable if she was aware she was being escorted by a Sheikah rather than just some Hylian with a sword. However, that only brought further questions. Why would one go through so much trouble to hide something that they could benefit from other people knowing? Wouldn't the princess's appointed knight want the princess to be easier to follow around?
He also couldn't understand why the little hero wouldn't have felt the need to discuss it with the Champions. Revali was certain Mipha knew - heard something about them being childhood friends once - but he wasn't so sure if the others did. Urbosa apparently met him the same day Revali had, but Daruk seemed at least somewhat familiar with the silent knight. There couldn't be any tactical reason behind hiding it either. In fact, there were probably a lot of ways it could benefit the others if everyone knew about it.
Despite all that, Revali had already decided that he wasn't going to be the one to bring it up to the princess. He was not prepared enough to deal with that discussion.
"Revali" the tone was different this time, which was what caught the Rito's attention, "Could I trouble you with a more... personal question?"
He already knew where this was going, but even he couldn't handle how pathetic that tone was. So, he decided to break the mood a little bit with a dramatic sigh, "Yes, I'm single. No, I'm not interested. I know it's heartbreaking, but that's just how it is - I haven't the time for that kind of commitment in my life."
"No! I mean, I didn't–" when she faced Revali, her fear and embarrassment turned to amusement and embarrassment, "Din's Ire... It's not polite to frighten a princess like that, Revali."
"My apologies, princess. I must have been mistaken" he replied.
"Clearly, an honest mistake" the she used tone was teasing and suggested otherwise, "Anyway, I was wondering… Your ability, Revali's Gale… How did you come to master it? What made you realize you could master it?"
Revali saw the question for what it really was, "Wouldn't it be best to ask another champion, your highness? They all have their own abilities that they have mastered, and with quite a lot more confidence than my own."
"You came up with a technique that had never existed - there isn't even a record of a similar existing power - and mastered it. I have an ability that has been in my family before history can recall, and can't seem to even get a spark of that power. So yes, I feel like it would be worth my time to ask you on your own experiences. Perhaps I'll realize what I'm doing wrong" It wasn't hard to notice the way the princess clenched her hand that that last sentence.
"That isn't an easy question to answer, princess" Revali finally answered, "It's hard to describe. The idea for my gale came from a dream. The technique itself is hard to explain the process of - at least in terms of it's creation. I suppose you could say that I knew I could do it since I thought it up, and merely practised until I achieved it. But that doesn't exactly help with your situation, now does it?"
Zelda laughed without humor, "It's a lot more information than I've ever gotten on my own powers. All I know is that I supposedly will awaken it through prayer. That might be why I can't access it though - why would the goddess bless someone like be with her power."
"That boy is a living reminder of her own failures. Well, at least that's how the princess sees him."
Urbosa's words from the ceremony decide to ring through Revali's mind, and he couldn't help the wave of pity that coursed through him. Being constantly surrounded by those who succeeded in their roles against the Calamity. Especially when forced to be shadowed by one every second of each day. Still, he said nothing to princess. His pity alone would not change things. This was war they were facing, there were lives at stake, so he couldn't afford to coddle the princess. She need to unlock her sealing powers. After all, that was a major part of the counter strategy. So all Revali could do is leave the princess to her thoughts, unable to come up with a way to change the subject without upsetting Hylian royalty.
He was spared from the awkward silence when the princess's stomach had decided to make itself known.
The princess's face flushed at that, "I hadn't realized that we had been up here for long..."
"I'm sure someone at the village would be happy to prepare something for you" Revali replied.
"Perhaps later. I don't wish to leave just yet. Has Urbosa told you the news yet?" the princess asked suddenly, and Revali's expression must have answered her because she continued, "She had a long talk with my father about a way to unlock my sealing powers, or at least increase the likelihood that I will. As persuasive as she must have been, I know what she's really up to."
Revali raised an eyebrow, "Sorry, but this effects me how?"
"Urbosa has planned a little trip for us Champions. I think the only reason why you're all invited is because it was the only way my father would agree to it. But she has been concerned over how stressed I've been lately, and she has mentioned that she doesn't like my relationship with Link. Did you know she taught Link a way to sneak into Gerudo Town?" Zelda sighed.
"If Lady Urbosa made the arrangement, I suppose that means that I have to attend" Revali did not plan to die from her lightning.
Zelda nodded, though now there was a light in her eyes, "Though I must admit - I am almost excited for this trip, as weird as that may be."
"Is that so? Would could be so exciting?"
"Urbosa issued a challenge to Link, corresponding to the time we all leave. I know Daruk has expressed interest in taking Link on as well. To think five of the lands greatest warriors - each at peak physical condition, and a representation of their races greatest strengths - are not only traveling together, but seeing where they stand with each other skill wise? Even I can't pretend I'm not interested in finding out" Zelda smiled at Revali, "What about you, Revali?"
"Sparring is an effect way to improve one's skill. I have no objections of participating, so long as your little knight isn't a sore loser" Revali replied.
Zelda laughed, "I'll be sure to keep that in mind. Though honestly, I have never seen Link spar with someone before. The other knights refuse to train with him, so I've only seen him train by himself. I suppose I am curious as to how he became known as the most accomplished swordsman in all of Hyrule."
Revali tried not to scoff at the needless praise of the silent knight. He knew the princess didn't like him, so it only irked him to know that she thought of him as skilled. Especially when he was certain that it was only exaggerations. He's heard about how the hero defeated full grown soldiers, and he supposed he could believe that. But he'd seen Urbosa in combat. He'd seen plenty of Sheikah spar in their spare time. He'd even managed to witness a Zora in combat once. And based on what he'd seen from the majority of Hylian Knights, plenty of children of other races could take them on. So, he didn't think highly of Link's abilities if they're only beyond a Hylians.
When he thought of it like that, Link being the most accomplished swordsman in all of Hyrule proper was not as big of a compliment as Revali had thought it was.
Even though Revali knew that Urbosa would be on his case about his relationship with Link (possibly with Mipha's help - Revali knew too many intimdating noble women), he still felt a sense of anticipation. Revali had never truly explored Hyrule before - he never needed too - only really going to the castle when his presence was requested. While he had no desire to explore, he couldn't say that he was opposed to the idea. Beside, training in different climates could only sharpen his skills. That in itself would make the journey worth it. After all, he had been training his whole life to master his skills.
"Do you know where, exactly, we're headed on this little trip, princess?" Revali inquired.
Zelda thought for a moment, "We'll be meeting up just outside Castle Town, before making our way to Hateno Village - it's a farming town in the East Necluda region, and Purah has set up a tech lab in the area. We'll probably be making stops along the way, obviously. And I suppose we'll decide where to go from there, if Urbosa hasn't already made up her mind on it. It all depends on whether or not Urbosa feels I've relaxed enough."
Sheikah tech. Of course. Revali probably should have realized that only way to lift the spirits of the princess was to give her things to examine and people to interrogate. She was quite the scholar when she wanted to be. Hopefully her father will have a long life span ahead of him, so she'll have a proper chance to pursue her studies without any commitments getting in the way. She would deserve that much, at least, if she actually managed to pull off her sealing powers in time to stop the Calamity.
Yet he felt for some odd reason, that that may not be the case.
He ignored the thought though. He couldn't predict the future. There was no point in feeling pity over a situation that was unlikely to happen.
