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Amidst the viridian and sap green foliage of the forest, nine warriors tread along its underbrush as they search for a darkness that has created rifts through time. They came upon one such rift and went through with courage.
“So, where does this portal lead to this time?” Wind asked.
“Hopefully not into an ambush.” Legend wryly replied.
A rumble of agreement from the others as that incident is still fresh in their minds. With clanking of armor, the tallest of the group stepped forward.
“We won’t be sure until we cross through.”
“Okay, old man.”
Time gave a deadpan expression to the moniker before walking through towards the swirling dark gate. The others soon followed, and the gate gave way to another forest that was vibrant in green pastels and giant colorful mushrooms. One of the warriors gave out a delighted gasp.
“I know where we are.” Sky happily proclaimed, “We are in my Era. Welcome to Faron Woods.”
Sky had led them through the woods to a settlement that was halfway through construction with some houses with various stages of completion.
“Welcome to the Faron Settlement!” Sky proudly said, “spreading his arms in a grand gesture.
The others were happy for him as this was the founding of Hyrule and the first village to be built in his lifetime. Wild excitedly snapped photos and scribbled notes about the things that he recorded to stow to his Zelda about the eras he’s traveled to so far. Twilight, Four, and Hyrule followed him around to explore more of the new settlement. Later, Wind and Legend soon joined them.
Sky, Time, and Warriors went to the finished areas, heading towards a colorful house with lavender accents. The house itself seemed to be half embedded in the green earth of the forest, blending naturally with the environment.
“We’ll talk to Zelda for a bit, and then youtube can meet up with the others. I have some business to attend to.” Sky informed.
Zelda heard a knock at the door. She left her project on the table and opened the door.
“Hello, how can I help–” She began to say only to stop when she saw her beloved standing there.
“Link! You’re back!”
“I am! Let me tell you what is happening.”
Sky told Zelda what was going on, as well as Time and Warriors adding their input. Zelda nodded and absorbed the story, asking questions that might help get a better idea about their predicament. After the conversation, Zelda asked them if they could call her Sun to avoid confusion in later conversations.
“How about you two come with me to find the rest of your group, and give you all a personal tour.” She said, pulling Time and Warriors with her.
Sky used this opportunity to slip out and head to the Sealed Temple.
The temple was still a place of worship, but it became an aviary for the loftwings to stay at when their riders visited the Surface. He stopped at a stall where a red loftwing resided.
“Crimson! How've you been!” He joyously exclaimed.
The red loftwing quickly lifted its head and looked at Sky's direction before letting out a happy shrill call. Crimson got up from his spot and strutted over to Sky. Sky spread his arms to welcome Crimson into a hug. The bright red bird wrapped its neck around his shoulder and wrapped his wings around him like a pseudo hug. Sky pressed his face into the soft neck feathers, breathing a sigh of comfort
He pulled away from the embrace and went over to a chest and opened it.
“I think it’s a long time overdue for a preening and maintenance.”
Crimson understood and went to settle down in his spot once again, waiting for Sky to finish. Sky found what he was looking for. It was a medium-sized wooden box that had intricate designs and loftwings on it. He settled next to Crimson and opened the box, and inside the box was a large file, a pair of clippers, some bottles of oil, and a soft hand towel.
“How about we start with your beak first.”
A shriek of agreement, and Crimson stuck out his beak. He grabbed the large file and began to file down the overgrown bits, and he went through the box again and got the oils and hand towel out. He poured one of the oils into his hand and rubbed them together, spreading it onto Crimson's beak and lower jaw. Sky grabbed the hand towel, wiping off the excess oils from his hands and Crimson's beak.
Next, Sky scooted slightly behind Crimson's wings and gently pulled out Crimson's right claws, placing it onto his lap. He grabbed the clippers and began cutting them with precise ease. Afterward, he filed them down and began to do the same thing to the other claws. Sky collected the grooming and placed them into the box, brought them back to the chest, and closed it. Sky then grabbed a hand brush off the wall and plopped down next to Crimson's tail, brushing it in long strokes.
Crimson happily thrilled as Sky brushed his tail. He was humming as he got out the knots and tangles. Sky put down the brush after he was satisfied with how fluffy the tail was and moved near Crimson's wings.
Finally, Sky gently opened the left wing and presented the red feathers. Sky had always found it therapeutic to pull off the pin feather sleeves when they were loose. He pinched it off the base and slowly pulled it off to avoid any damage and discomfort. He remembered he had roughly pulled on a sleeve that wasn't ready, and Crimson had banned him from preening for nearly a month afterward. He huffed fondly at the memory as it taught him to be patient with his movements.
Sky moved over to the right wing and repeated the process, as he finally moved back where Crimson rested his head on the nest. Sky gently combed his fingers through the smaller feathers, fluffing them and smoothing them out. He petted Crimson's head to wake up the bird from his light snooze.
“It's time for me to join Zelda and the others, I'll come back with snacks.”
Crimson clacked his beak in lazy content and doomed right back to sleep nice and preened.