Summary: The body from the Eldin Region is identified. Tara begins speaking. Link makes a rare journey to Rito Village to attend a ceremony honoring Revali.

It was two days after Princess Zelda's and Randall's wedding when the news went out to all the ambassadors and leaders throughout Hyrule. The person killed in the Eldin Region had been identified as none other than the missing Sheikah scientist Grendon.

Chief Saldon, Aldora, and a dozen other Sheikah were waiting at the pier in North Hyrule for the boat carrying Grendon's body back home. When the ship docked, four Sheikah took charge of Grendon's coffin and conveyed it to the Sheikah graveyard. Then a short service was held as his body was laid to rest, and everyone prayed that Grendon's spirit would rest in peace. Afterward, Chief Saldon walked back with his apprentice, Aldora.

"It's sad," sighed Aldora. "Master Grendon was certainly eccentric, but I don't believe he was a wicked person."

"Yes, he certainly was eccentric, and I agree he was not evil, just naive, as I feared," said Saldon. "It was a terrible way for his life to end. Have you thought at all about his last words?"

"Yes, I wrote them down," said Aldora as she consulted her Tab. "This is what the Gorons told us Grendon's dying words were. They informed us he struggled to get the words out, gasping for breath from his wound."

I was deceived. Tell them I'm sorry. It can't fool a Zora. Be sure to tell them.

"The first part of his statement is consistent with what we both believed," said Aldora. "It sounds like whomever Grendon was working with deceived him in some manner, and he later came to regret what he did. I imagine 'them' refers to us, his colleagues. Do you agree with me, Master?"

"Yes, that makes sense, and I do agree with you," said Saldon.

"The rest of his statement is unclear to me," said Aldora. "What is it that can't fool a Zora? And why was that so important he would use his last dying breath to tell us?"

"I don't know," said Saldon thoughtfully. "I think we will both have to ponder that last part further or await developments that clarify it."

Meanwhile, Link and the family had just finished dinner in Zora's Domain, when Link received a call. Looking at his Tab, he could see it was from the Rito Ambassador, Rayna. Link had spoken to Rayna on occasion, but it was confined mainly to business matters. He did not have the same closeness or camaraderie with her that he had with Laray, the North Hyrule ambassador, or the somewhat similarly named Gerudo ambassador Raynia or even the Goron ambassador Hadon.

"Go ahead and take the call, sweetheart," said Mipha as everyone got up to leave. "We're all taking Tara to the lake."

Link nodded as he answered the call.

"Zora Ambassador Link, this is Rito Ambassador Rayna," said Rayna. "Is this a convenient time for a brief call?"

"Yes, it's fine, Ambassador Rayna," said Link as he waved to the rest of the family as they left for their swim.

"Thank you. We here in Rito Village are holding a special dedication service to honor Master Revali, and naming a section of our village after him. We are inviting the ambassadors from each race to attend. I hope you will be able to join us and represent the Zora people. The ceremony is in one week, and I can Tab you the details."

"I would be happy to attend, but are you sure it's all right with Master Revali?" said Link.

"Yes, we already cleared the full invite list with Master Revali," said Rayna. "Why do you ask?"

"Forgive me, but did Master Revali say anything in particular when he saw my name on the list? We've known each other for quite a long time, and I just wondered what his reaction was."

"Oh, I see. Well, as I recall, Master Revali was quiet for a moment, then laughed and said something like, why not, it would be an honor for you and possibly instructive for you as well. It's never too late to learn, he added. He did not explain further, and I can't say I understood what he meant. But he approved your attendance."

"Thank you, and I think I understand what he meant," laughed Link. "I will check to be sure I can attend and Tab you my reply."

They ended the call.

The rest of the family were already swimming at Mikau Lake, so Link joined them there. Everyone was playing with Tara, who seemed to be having the time of her life with all the attention she was getting. She kept swimming from person to person, and each of them would gently stroke her or tickle her. Link waded into the water and swam over next to Mipha.

"The Rito ambassador just invited me to attend a ceremony in Revali's honor at Rito Village next week as Zora Ambassador," said Link.

"Do you want to go? If not, Father can send someone else," said Mipha.

"No, I think I should go," said Link. "I've always tried to be on good terms with Revali every chance I can get, even way back to when we sent out our wedding invitations. Perhaps he's mellowed a bit with age. At least I want to try, and I feel I owe it to him to attend."

"That's fine," said Mipha. "With little Tara here, there is plenty to keep us busy. Isn't she adorable? Look how quickly she swims now! But be safe and hurry home afterward. You know I miss you terribly when you're away."

"And I miss you too and can't wait to return," said Link. "But now it's my turn to have some fun with little Tara here."

Link joined the group playing with her. When Tara started getting tired, Tila picked her up, and Tara buried her head on Tila's shoulder saying Ma Ma Ma over and over.

"She's starting to name us," said Tila as she patted her gently.

"She's so cute!" said Mipha. "I bet she learns to say my name at a younger age than my husband did."

"Very funny," laughed Link. "I could say your name. I was just being respectful."

"And shy, admit it," laughed Mipha.

"Well, some of that, too," laughed Link.

Mipha pointed at Link, and he said, "Me." Then she pointed at the sky, and Link said, "Far." Then they both laughed.

"What was that all about, Mom?" said Lapha.

"It's how I taught your Dad to say my name when he was small. He used to call me 'princess' all the time once he learned I was one. I got him to say 'me' and that the clouds are' far.' Put the two together, and it's close enough. Actually, I wasn't teaching him how to say my name, I was teaching him to say it."

"Funny," laughed Lapha.

When the week was up, Link packed his warm clothes and prepared to leave for Rito Village using public transportation. After saying goodbye to everyone, as before, Mila felt compelled to make sure he knew what he was doing and to see him off. They made their way together to the PAT stop just west of the Inogo Bridge, where the roads merged.

"You know how the newer PAT's work, right, Dad?" said Mila as they waited together at the stop. "Some stops are by request only, and you use your Tab to signal it. You need to know how to do that since the newer PAT's are driverless. Here, let me show you. You use this rune."

Mila proceeded to show him what to do.

"And don't forget, you switch PAT's at Wetland Rest Area and then again at the Tabantha Bridge Rest Area," said Mila.

"Got it. Thanks, sweetheart, you're the best," said Link as they hugged goodbye, and she bent down, and they kissed each other on the cheek. "Here's the PAT now."

"Stay safe, Dad," said Mila.

"I will," said Link. "Just there and back."

The PAT was about half full, mostly people who were traveling from the Akkala Region, and Link found a window seat toward the rear. Mila waved to him, and he waved back, then the PAT pulled away. This one had a driver, and he stared out the window as they drove along the eastern side of the Rutala River. Blue-Winged Herons searched for food along the shore, feasting on the occasional Bright-Eyed Crab. The road continued past Zelo Pond, then turned west and crossed the Thims Bridge and followed the path south climbing upward past grassy hills, then around Crenel Peak. The roads were nicely paved now, though Link could see a dirt shoulder running alongside it. Zelda had said all those years ago she would make provision for horse travel for those who still preferred it, and she had been as good as her word. But horse travel was almost entirely recreational now, and he didn't see any hoof prints in the dirt. He thought briefly of Epona, and the times they had ridden together this way, then shook his head, and looked out the window again.

The PAT finally turned south just shy of the Rebonae Bridge and reached the Wetland Rest Area. Link, along with most of the other passengers, disembarked here, as those who stayed on were continuing south. He looked around at the other passengers waiting with him for the Central Hyrule PAT, and they were all Hylians, mostly couples and two families with children. When the PAT arrived, it was, as Mila expected, driverless. Link boarded and again found a window seat on the right side of the PAT.

This PAT went north, then turned west across the Rebonae Bridge and later on past Mabe Prairie, then turned right and headed west. Several passengers requested a stop at the Sacred Grounds and exited there. The Sacred Grounds was a famous tourist spot, and Link smiled as he remembered the long and somewhat dull service recognizing him as Zelda's appointed knight that was held there. Revali had been beside himself back then, resenting any recognition of Link, until dear Urbosa shut him up. And of course, more recently, he had made a fateful decision there concerning Astra.

The PAT resumed then, and Link stared out the window as it began to rain. Hyrule Castle was visible in the distance, and a moment later, some lightning and thunder developed, and he was glad to be inside. The PAT turned north through a small tunnel and then across the Carok Bridge. The landscape gave way to white pockmarked cliffs and then changed back to grassland as they reached the southern end of Hyrule Ridge with its giant mushroom-shaped vegetation. Lightning flashed across the sky, and the sound of thunder shook the ground. Link hoped these driverless PAT's were safe, but the vehicle never swerved or left the road. He guessed he should have more faith in Sheikah Technology. Heavy rain pelted the ground and beat against the window. But then as the road curved north, the weather cleared, and the sun peaked out from behind some gray clouds. It was late afternoon when they arrived at the Tabantha Bridge Rest Area, and Link exited the PAT to wait for the last part of his trip. While he waited, he Tabbed Mipha to tell her where he was and then had a bite to eat. You could see Divine Beast Vah Medoh in the distance to the northwest.

The last PAT that would take him to the Rito Rest Area arrived, and he boarded, again finding a window seat on the right. This PAT had a driver who welcomed the passengers aboard, and they were soon underway. Link thought this was likely to be the most scenic part of the journey. It took him through places he had not traveled through in some time now. They crossed the long Tabantha Great Bridge, which had been rebuilt to accommodate motorized vehicles. It was no longer the rickety wooden structure of long ago. Medoh was visible as they crossed the bridge, then disappeared from view as they passed north of the Ancient Columns high above and west of Piper Ridge and the site of a Great Fairy Fountain. There was an on-request stop at the Great Fairy Fountain, and if it had been earlier in the day, Link might have stopped there and given an offering, and thanks. But it was getting late. No one else requested the stop either, so the PAT continued north past Nero Hill as the road ran along the western side of the magnificent Tanagar Canyon.

As they approached the eastern side of Strock Lake, Link remembered a Talus used to block the road here. But it too was long gone, and they continued onward to the Kolami Bridge. Thank Hylia, that bridge had also been rebuilt. He remembered walking Epona across it, as the bridge was very narrow and treacherous back in the day. Passing the Kolami Bridge, they entered a small canyon where sneaky Lizalfos used to wait in ambush. Then they emerged from the canyon, and the road sloped downward until it reached the Rito Rest Area, and the PAT came to a stop. Most passengers exited here, though some remained on board to continue to Warbler's Nest or even as far as the Hebra Trailhead Lodge.

He had to admit it had been comfortable to sit back in a warm coach and watch the beautiful scenery pass by the window. Maybe riding in the open air would be more fun, but thinking of the chill wind blowing into him the whole way made him shiver. Link used the cooking pot there to cook a fish he runed, then ate alone as he glanced around the area. It was a beautiful location with evergreen trees everywhere.

It had been some years since he had been here, but from his vantage point, Rito Village looked very much the same as he remembered it. Divine Beast Vah Medoh still stood proudly perched silently above the village just as it had been left years ago when it aided in Ganon's defeat. It was getting late now, and Rayna had told him they had reserved a bed for him at the Swallow's Roost inn. He looked forward to getting reacquainted with their Rito down beds that were guaranteed to restore your vitality.

Link finished his meal, then made his way across the four bridges that spanned the peaks leading to the village entrance, then onward to the inn. They had his reservation, and he prepared to settle into bed. But before that, he Tabbed Mipha that he had arrived safely, and he loved her. She Tabbed back that she loved him too and to enjoy his visit. Then he fell asleep.

The next morning he awoke fully refreshed. Those Rito beds were terrific! He ate a quick breakfast, then gathered with the other invitees at the spot being dedicated. Most of the village was present as well, but there was no sign of Revali yet. Link said hello to the other ambassadors, Hadon, Laray, Raynia, and Rayna then stopped to speak with them.

"Glad you could all make it," said Link. "I guess I'm the only ambassador who knows Revali from way back."

"Yes," said Rayna. "Queen Zelda sent regrets on behalf of her daughter, who would otherwise have attended. But the timing did not work out for the Princess with her still being away on her honeymoon."

"Yes, of course," said Link.

"How is the family, Link?" said Laray. "I hear from Faray that Tara is starting to speak now."

"Yes, she's as smart as she is adorable," said Link. "The whole family loves her and can't spend enough time with her. She's going to be spoiled, no doubt about it."

"We can't wait for her to be old enough to visit us," said Laray.

"Excuse me. It looks like the ceremony is about to begin," said Rayna.

The village elder and Revali made their way to the eastern end of the platform. The elder waited for the group to be silent before speaking.

Thank you all for coming. We are here to pay tribute to our dear Champion and the greatest Rito warrior of all time, Master Revali. He has been a role model for many of our younger warriors growing up and has trained many of them at his excellent flight range. His ability to ascend into the air on his own is legendary. So, in honor of his many contributions, we are pleased to name the platform we are all standing on in his honor. In this way, his name will live on as long as Rito Village survives. So now I officially declare this platform as Revali's Landing.

The crowd all burst into applause.

And now, I present Master Revali, who wished to say a few words.

Thank you," said Revali. "I am indeed honored to have this area named for me and that so many of you have come here to congratulate me. I know I have helped many of our warriors to improve their archery and combat skills. And in this way, I have done what I could to improve our ability to protect our home should it ever be threatened. And we are also better prepared to come to the aid of Hyrule should our assistance ever be needed again. Divine Beast Vah Medoh stands as a proud protector of our village and our people, and I am honored to have been its pilot. So, thank you again, and long live the Rito!"

Everyone applauded, then Revali and the Village Elder began to mingle with the crowd. Eventually, Revali made his way over to Link.

"Well, it's nice you finally paid me a visit," said Revali. "It has certainly taken you a while."

"I was always happy to visit you, Revali," said Link. "I don't recall being invited, and I wasn't sure my company would be welcome."

"Oh, any rivalry between us from the past is long over now, Link," said Revali. "Unless you still feel some."

"No, not at all. I've always agreed you are the greatest archer in Hyrule," said Link. "But, if I may speak frankly, it seems you never make an effort to socialize with the rest of us. Whenever we met during those Champion reunions at Hyrule Castle, you couldn't wait to leave."

Revali shook his head.

"You may be right," said Revali. "I love it here, and my life has been my work. That's what has made me happiest. Besides, I'm not good at small talk."

"I think that's the first time I've heard you admit you're not good at something," said Link.

Revali glared at Link for a moment. Then they both burst out laughing.

"Very funny," laughed Revali. "I have been a bit stuffy over the years, haven't I? But as I've gotten older, I've gotten less full of myself. Not that my feelings about myself weren't justified all that time. But after dear Urbosa passed, it hit me that we should make the most of our time together. I'd like us to be friends, Link."

"And so would I," said Link. "I was always willing to. Consider me as your friend, and I'll do the same for you."

They shook hands.

"How is the family? I haven't seen Mipha since our last reunion. Knowing the Zoras, she probably looks the same," said Revali. "And I heard you're even a grandfather now!"

"Yes, time marches on," said Link. "Mipha does look pretty much the same, and our children are all grown and working now. And yes, I have a Zora granddaughter now who is just adorable."

"Well, I can't stand small talk here any more than at the castle. Come on," said Revali. "Let's head to the flight range. It's not too late for that lesson I promised you once."

"Great," said Link. "We're never too old to learn."

"Hop on my back," said Revali. "I'll fly you over."

Link did as asked, and they made their way to the Flight Range.

"I see you didn't bring a bow," said Revali. "But we have extras here. Now try to hit all twenty targets in the time limit, and I'll evaluate your technique."

"It's been a long time since I've done this," said Link getting the feel of the bow. "All right, here goes."

Link dove off the platform into the updrafts and began maneuvering and shooting at the blue circular targets. He was a bit rusty, and only managed to hit sixteen before Revali called time.

"Not bad," said Revali. "But you need to thread your arrow before you jump and thread a new one more quickly. And try to maneuver better. Here, watch me."

Revali dove off and proceeded to hit all twenty targets very quickly and easily.

"Nicely done," said Link. "But I think I have it now. I'll go again."