Chapter Ten: Reminiscing

Deya shivered, pulling his cloak tighter around him as he rode through the Southern Tabantha Snowfields. The blizzard pretty well hindered his vision, though he could still see occasional groups of pine trees on all sides. The silver of the sky and the white of the ice and snow all around him seemed to mix into a bright frosty chrome scene. Mountainous, icy scenery before him heaved up and down as he bounced along on his horse. He inhaled, the air sharp and biting, each breath hurting his nose.

He shook his head. “This is insanity,” he said to no one in particular.

His head tilted to the side in thought, then he took the glove off his right hand. With great concentration, he moved his hand around a few times in a small circle, then quickly closed it. Opening it again, a small fireball appeared over his palm: despite its size, the flames radiated a little bit of much-welcomed heat. “At least I have a some of my mother’s magic.”

At this thought, he bowed his head and put a hand on the halberd resting behind him. My father was a blacksmith and a tinkerer. My mother was a mage. They didn’t always get along. Hopefully one day, I can combine their two passions to create something that hasn’t been seen in Hyrule since the times of legends, and give them a peace that we didn’t have as I was growing up. Maybe then, I can return to Kakariko, show them my work, and make them both proud.

Maybe…

Deya sighed at that thought, and then smiled. “Then again, that’s not all I have, is it? I have you, too, Fireburst.” he said, as his horse gave a snort. He patted its fiery-red mane. “I definitely couldn’t have made it this far without you, friend.” He reached into his saddle bag and dug out an apple, cutting a small slice for himself before offering his steed the rest. “It’s by Her Highness’ grace that I was able to get you in the first place. I certainly didn’t have the money for it. Without her letter to the groomsman, I certainly wouldn’t be here now.” He smirked and shook his head. “It’s too bad that bridge across the canyon south isn’t finished yet. That would’ve saved me a lot of time. But, oh well, this path still works.”

As Deya looked up again, he could just begin to see the end of the tundra as he began to near Rito Village. Looking forward to seeing one of his best friends again for the first time in years, he smiled. “It’s been far too long.”

 

Seven years ago

 

Deya trotted along the path surrounding Lake Totori, tears streaming down his face. Running up to the Warbler’s Nest, he plopped down behind a tree and grabbed his knees and buried his head in his arms.  He was tired of his parents fighting each other over their differences, and over his future. He wanted it to stop. He wanted to fix everything, but he wasn’t sure how, or even where to start.

After a few minutes, he looked around the tree to the village of the Rito people. Despite having only just arrived, his parents had already told him they would be staying there for the next several years, longer than anywhere else he had stayed before.  Deya didn’t mind that so much; finally, some stability, not feeling like any day he could just be whisked away. And he liked the village so far. The temperature was pleasantly cool to him, and the residents seemed nice. He just wished that his family’s problems hadn’t followed them here, too. His father and mother always argued about the usefulness of their skills: his mother thought that technology was unnecessary, and his father thought that magic was growing obsolete.  It was tiring, draining on a child of merely ten.

As Deya sat, thinking about their differences, an idea occurred to him. What if his father’s technology and weaponry could be melded with his mother’s magic to create something new entirely? What if weapons could be made of elements?  What if he could tie it all together in a way that would satisfy them both, proving they were both right, and both useful?

He began to get excited at this new proposition.  But how…?

An idea formed, small and disorganized, but worth a shot.  He hopped up instantly and began to trot along the edge of the cliff surrounding Lake Totori. His mother, while teaching him about different magical techniques and plants, had taught him that a plant called a Rushroom, which could be used to make an elixir that allows the consumer to move faster, grew on the sides of cliffs. Perhaps he could find one, and…he had no idea what he’d do with it after he found it, but it was a start.

After walking for several yards, he just barely saw the purple mushroom heads below him on the cliff face. Excitedly, he got on his knees, attempting to reach the Rushroom. When that failed, he lay on his stomach and reached as far over the cliff as he could; this too failed.  Deya growled to himself.

Try again.

Determined to get the Rushroom, he decided to try to climb down the cliff’s side, despite the height and the knowledge of just how foolish the idea was. He slowly began to work his way down the cliff face, carefully feeling with his feet for proper footholds. Foot below foot, and hand below hand, he worked his way little by little, until he was within arm’s reach of the Rushroom. As he reached out with his left hand to grab it, the small outcropping of stone that he had been holding on to with his right hand broke. With a terror that echoed through his heart and out his throat, he screamed at the top of his lungs as he hurled toward the water far below.  Panic gripped him, and he could not even close his eyes to block his own inevitable end.

“I’ve got you!”

Suddenly, he felt firm pressure beneath his arms, and his stomach lurched within him in a sharp sense of vertigo; instead of falling towards certain death, he was soaring back up towards the edge of the cliff. A moment later, he was gently set on solid ground, several feet back from the precarious precipice. As he turned around to see how he was even standing on solid ground again, he saw a young Rito – perhaps a year or two younger than himself – land elegantly before him. She had bright red plumage, and an ornate dagger was fastened to her hip.

“Are you okay?” she asked, her voice the most melodic, welcome tune he had ever heard.

Deya stood, frozen in shock. “Uh…” he hesitated. “I…I think?  What happened?”

The Rito girl shook her wings out briefly. “I was out for flying practice when I heard you shout.” She gave an unsure grin. “I may not be the best flier, but I had to try to help. I couldn’t just stand by and do nothing.”

“Not the best flier?” Deya nervously chuckled and put a hand on the side of his neck. “Well, you saved my life. That has to count for something, right?”

The girl smiled shyly. Crossing her wings, she asked “What were you doing on the side of the cliff anyway? That’s dangerous for a wingless being like you.”

“I was trying to get a Rushroom.”

“What for?”

Deya, paused, not sure what all to say.  Then, without thought to whether or not she’d care, he clung to this moment of friendliness, and before he realized what he’d done, he explained everything: his home life, his worries, his ideas.  And then, he froze again, worried what she’d think.

“Aw. That sounds hard,” she gave him an avian smile.  “Your idea is a good one, though.” The Rito quickly jumped off the side of the cliff, then returned holding the Rushroom. “Please just don’t try to do that sort of thing again without help, though, okay?”

Deya nodded, relieved. “I won’t. And, thank you.”

She smiled even broader. “You’re welcome!” Her head cocked to the side for a moment, searching him with her dark eyes. “You’re new here, though, right? Have you made any friends yet?”

Deya shook his head. She grinned, wider than he thought possible. “Well, now you have!” She took a step forward and placed the Rushroom he had so desperately sought in his hands. “My name’s Avela. What’s yours?”

“Deya.”

“Nice to meet you, Deya!”

 

Present

 

Deya walked away from the stable, turning his head to get one last look at Fireburst as the groomsman led him away. He was a little bit disappointed to be parting so soon after meeting, but the letter the Princess had given him was for the ownership of a horse. He’d be back to claim his stallion later, and the stables of Hyrule always offered quality care.

Deya stopped and turned back to look at the giant stone pillar, the closest thing he ever had to a true home. A few small islands stretched towards it, connected by wooden bridges spanning out over chasms, far above Lake Totori. Amused, Deya noted that the top of the pillar stretched out in such a way as to look like a bird’s perch; ironic, considering that the race that dwelt below it was avian in nature.

As Deya began to cross the first of the four bridges, he met a member of the Rito Guard. The Rito raised his wing, saying, “Greetings, traveler! What brings you to Rito Village?”

Deya raised his arm, returning the greeting. “Greetings, friend! I am here both for personal business, and on behalf of Her Royal Highness herself.” The guard stood to attention. “Where is Rakumo? I would like to speak to him.”

The Rito turned and pointed with his spear at a hut near the top of the stone pillar. “Last I saw him, he was on his way to discuss something with the elder. That was a while ago; he should be nearly done by now.”

Deya nodded at the guardsman. “Thank you for your help.”

He crossed the other three bridges, officially arriving in Rito Village. He was sure he’d be recognized sooner or later after living there for several years, and while he did want to greet his old friends, he specifically wanted to greet his two closest first. With haste and purpose, he climbed through the many layers that composed the village. After many years, he no longer grew tired from climbing the many flights of stairs.

Well, he thought, puffing a bit, not as tired.

A few minutes later, Deya was on the highest terrace, working his way to the elder’s hut. Before he reached it, however, he saw a figure stepping out of the doorway. A Rito, tall and stately, with deep green plumage. A Great Eagle Bow was strapped to his back, befitting of the Captain of the Rito Guard.

The Rito saw Deya approaching and started with surprise. “Deya? Is that you, my friend?”

Deya swung his hand forward. “Hello, Rakumo. It’s been a while, hasn’t it?”

Rakumo swung his wing forward in return and strongly shook Deya’s hand. “Truly! It’s good to see you. What brings you to Rito Village? I had heard from a traveling friend of mine that you were heading to Ordon Village to learn the craft of smithery? ”

Deya frowned and looked at his feet. “Ordon was destroyed, and my master is dead. I’d rather not talk about that.” Looking back and Rakumo, he continued, “I’m here for two reasons: I wanted to catch up with some old friends, and more importantly, I’m here on behalf of Her Highness Princess Zelda herself.”

Rakumo was taken aback. “Oh?”

Deya gave a nod. “Yes. But before I got into all that…” he hesitated, “um…I was wondering…where is –”

Rakumo chuckled. “She’s down at the Warbler’s Nest.”

Deya’s face grew warm and bright, and he gave a nod of thanks.

Half an hour later, Deya walked the path that he had run for the first time seven years ago, the fateful path that led him to change his own life and led him to meet one of his best friends. As he grew near to the Warbler’s Nest, he began to hear the notes of an a capella rendition of a classic Rito song, sung by a smooth, sweet voice that brought him great joy. He smiled. A second later, he saw the one singing – a female Rito, perhaps a year or two younger than himself. She had bright red plumage, and an ornate dagger was fastened to her hip. As the song resumed after a sort pause, Deya lifted his voice with hers, creating a harmonious rhythm.

As she realized that someone was singing with her, she turned to see who had joined. For a moment, her face was filled with nothing but shock. Deya began to raise his hand in greeting. “Hey, Ave – ” He was instantly cut off, being on the receiving end of Avela’s spontaneous and forceful hug. He smiled, embracing her in return. “It’s good to see you again, Avela.”

“Deya!  I missed you! I’m so glad to see you again!” She pushed him away, while still keeping her wings on his shoulders and bouncing up and down. “Oh, oh, oh! Have you heard the new Sheikah story, The Princess of the Rising Sun?”

 

Featured Image by MaskedGolem.

Beyond the Horizon is a collaboration between Adam BarhamJarrod Raine, and Kat Vadam. Follow them on Twitter.

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