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Chapter Text

Their parents were in need of a strong child. The bearer had suffered a strong illness during childbirth and they were lucky to have a healthy child. The newborn was named “Saif” in an effort to court the strength they so desperately needed.

And Saif was indeed strong in muscle and in will. A courteous young vai who would stop at nothing to help a friend. They had a strong wanderlust and had made a name for themself across the settlement, which they had learned inside and out.

And yet, Saif had a few… eccentricities. Saif had a noted tendency to move and bounce along to the humming of the land around them. Musicality was a skill a vai developed only if they were performing the dances that told many a long told tale. And yet Saif danced freely, plunging themself into the rhythms that most everyone else had stopped paying mind to. It was considered proper for a vai to cover their bodies almost completely and while many agreed that the compass on the mask Saif wore to cover their face could not be more reflective of its wearer, the lime green tunic worn over their torso was inviting joking comparisons to another country’s legends. It was for these reasons that the young vai was a subject of teasing, as it was all too easy for some children to come to the conclusion that Saif was destined to become the hero of Hyrule.

Saif was a studious cartographer, and when the time came for their journey of youth, their eye was set on a particular spot on the map. It bugged them like nothing else, and it was going to drive them up the wall if they could not figure out its layout. When their teachers told them that not even the Hyruleans could figure it out, their resolve was locked in, regardless of how wise it may have been.

And so Saif set out to chart the Lost Woods. It turned out that there was a reason there was an empty spot on every map of the surrounding area Saif could find. They had gone through six different charts in a single hour, discarding them when they realized the path had looped in on itself. The humming of the land seemed intent on sending a shiver down their spine. But Saif pressed on. They had a mission. And there were enough locals that they could try asking one of them for assistance.

The locals were interesting. The majority were small, squat creatures that Saif wanted to believe were fashioned out of the very woods they lived in. They had a pleasant, childlike energy to them. Knowledgable, and yet so innocent at the same time. It reminded Saif of home. Deeper in, and after wasting even more paper on maps that couldn’t be used, they started noting a different sort of creature. Small specks of light that spoke to them. It was a shame that they couldn’t understand the language.

One thing was coming through, and very clearly: Saif was not supposed to be there. The Koroks seemed unilaterally surprised at their presence, though due to the language barrier, Saif could not properly understand why. They would have to ask with the scholars back home. After they had explained why their journey did not bear fruit. Saif knew it was nothing to be ashamed of. With the sheer number of youths going out to test the world outside, it was only natural that some of them turned back empty handed. And yet, they knew that it would be seen as a disappointment.

Eventually though, the paths started converging on Saif, as if they were trying to lead the young vai someplace. And somewhat unfortunately for Saif, that someplace happened to be the pedestal of the Master Sword. Saif, in spite of the name, never really cared much for swords. They found a small dagger more useful in most situations.

So it was really concerning that Saif had tried to leave the sword in its place five times in a row only to wander straight back into it. They have a better sense of direction than this. It’s like, their thing.

When the fairies started forming a literal arrow to point them towards it, Saif groaned and pulled out the sword. It was a mild challenge, but Saif was fighting their own indifference more than the pedestal. This was something that they had learned about as the mentors prepped them for his journey of youth: a “holy” sword that would defeat evil. Hyrule’s definition of evil. Saif considered it perhaps an act of good fate that their own settlement hasn’t fallen under that definition as far as they were aware.

On the other hand, Saif was never going to live down the “hero of Hyrule” jokes for as long as they lived. They’re probably going to get a new veil as a gift some time soon.

Saif took off their backpack and attempted to shove the sword into it. Much to their bemusement, the sword struggled to fit in as it developed its own scabbard to be held in. Saif sighed and fit the scabbard under their backpack as they prepared to turn back home.

The journey home was uneventful, save for the changing of the hum of the universe. Saif considered it one of best parts of their journey, hearing that hum give way to new and unfamiliar sounds. They took the opportunities to try some new footwork to amuse themself.

Saif knew they had arrived at a settlement when they encountered the great wall that traditionally surrounded them. Saif remembers asking in history class why the wall was so thick for something that had so few troops protecting it. It turned out that the wall was mostly ceremonial at this point, and was built before knowledge of the Rito was common knowledge amongst the Vai. It served better to keep out sand than intruders at the end of the day. Saif’s mental map told them that this should have been their settlement, but they had to go up to the gate beneath the archway to be sure. A pair of guards stood in front, the crest of Saif’s home worn upon their mask and their chests. This was the place.

Upon arriving back at their settlement, Saif bowed to the guards and pulled out a medallion the size of their hand. On the outside bore the settlement’s crest, matching the guards’ uniforms. This was the token, the signifier that Saif was indeed a vai’ren on their journey of youth. A guard took the token and opened it up. Their eyes narrowed, reading what was inside, before the second guard pulled out a small book, flipping through the pages. After a bit of consideration, the guards looked up and asked “Saif?” Saif nodded and the doors were slowly opened.

On the other side of the wall was a business district, ready to serve any vai that came to rest here. The finest architecture in the richest colors, the most elegant inn around, and the din of street vendors spotting a new customer. Saif did not care for it particularly and promptly headed to the settlement’s central shrine to prepare their reclamation. It was… bigger than the one Saif’s family usually used. The main archway alone must have been eight times their size, decorated with the most intricate patterns and colors that Saif had ever seen. Inside was a large courtyard bustling with people. On either side were the wings housing various social spaces. At least, Saif assumed they worked like their usual shrine. They hadn’t found the need to use these facilities before. Instead Saif continued straight ahead into the main prayer room. It looked like Sohaib, the caretaker of the local gym, was volunteering today. Saif didn’t recognize the other one. Judging from the veil design, they were probably a smith of some sort. Saif tried their best to hide their disappointment on their face as they relayed the information of their journey. “I… didn’t come back with my map as I had promised.”

The volunteers sat down to try to console Saif. Sohaib told them “It’s a shame, but not a debt to be paid. You’ve already done enough work by making the journey and trying what you did. You still got your token, right? We’ll need it for your reclamation ceremony.”

Saif nodded and offered the medallion. Sohaib nodded and continued “Your family will be grateful to see you. You should start preparing for your reclamation ceremony soon! You’ve come home early, so you’ll have plenty of time! And I could use a hand if you need something to do with your time.”

Saif nodded with a weary sigh before removing their backpack and showing the volunteers what they did come back with. “The Woods did give me something. I couldn’t tell you why though.”

The volunteers looked over the sword with a confused awe. The smith said “I… see. According to the legends we have gathered from Hyrule and its converts, that is a very pressing matter indeed…”

Sohaib shook his head. “I don’t know, Saif. If they wanted you to have it, I assume there’s a good reason, but ya just got home. Your family wants to see you again. Really, are you gonna change everything just because some weird artifact told you you’re fated for some destiny nonsense?”

Saif took a deep breath. “I’m going to talk to our ustad ul-nur for some guidance.”

And so Saif went to their local shrine through the left wing and made their way to the reading chambler. Tucked away in the corner, sitting at a desk, was a figure dressed in a dark red robe and an orange covering, depicting a lit candle: the ustad ul-nur, the local scholar of the faith, the “scholar of light” so to speak. They would know what to do, right? Saif had found them sitting patiently at a desk. Their cover was dark red and orange in color, with a lit candle upon their veil. They looked up gently as Saif plopped into the seat opposite them. “What’s troubling you?”

“It’s… something I found on my journey of youth. I had sent out to chart the missing spot on our maps-”

“The Lost Woods, yes?”

Saif nodded and continued. “A- and the woods seemed insistent that I leave with something.”

“The Sword of Hyrule, I presume?”

Saif nodded tiredly. “What should I do about it?”

The ustad looked into Saif’s eyes and told them “I know it feels like a lot, but you shouldn’t let yourself be held down by it. Don’t hold yourself to legends that you don’t believe in. The important part is what you think your legacy should be.”

Saif took a deep breath and looked back at the ustad. “Thank you for your wisdom. Much appreciated.”

The ustad’s eyes drooped mournfully. “That being said, there is a risk to be careful of, however.”

Saif pulled in their seat. “Oh?”

The ustad nodded solemnly. “You have heard the Hyrulean stories of the beast?”

Saif rolled their eyes. “Yeah, the voe the Hylians use at the end of all their legends about the great heroes…”

The ustad had a sly chuckle. “Nasty piece of work that one is. Unfortunately, the beast is not simply a myth. And now that you have the Sword of Hyrule, it may decide that now is the time for an attack. You would make a very appealing target to such a beast, you understand.”

Saif nodded hesitantly. “I… see.”

The ustad’s eyes rose just a bit. “But please, have your celebration and I will come to you when I am ready. Take care, and enjoy your adulthood.”

Saif nodded and arose from their seat. They had been assigned a heavy burden and for what? Recognition they didn’t particularly need and a weapon they still had to learn how to use? They were feeling a bit ripped off, all things considered. Still, Saif had a reclamation ceremony to get to.

The walk home was peaceful. People were walking around, mostly adults and small children. Saif didn’t notice their usual friends, which tracks with what Sohaib had told them. Saif’s neighborhood was quaint compared to the gates and the center of the settlement, but the buildings were pretty and the colors were still vivid. They didn’t remember the last time they got painted, maybe it happened while they were in the forest.

Saif’s parents were clearly in the middle of preparing, although Saif was touched by what was already set out. They had clearly been preparing for the arrival of their precious child as soon as they left, and had been putting effort into making things look as nice as they could. Banners made from cover that no longer fit, a small doll dressed up in a younger Saif’s favorite tunic, and a spot on the wall for the map–

Oh. Oh right. Saif winced at the thought of having to tell their parents the bad news about the Lost Woods. And the even worse news that apparently they’ve got a bigger job that’ll take them away from the settlement for even longer.

Saif went to change into a proper veil to join their parents for a sweet drink. Their parents had asked what the Woods were like. “It was hard to see, like a sheet of silk being placed over your eyes. But more than that… it was colorful. I could barely believe what I was seeing and not a drop of paint to be seen. All the beauty of a mural just …existing there!”

Saif’s sa, their younger parent, leaned in with awe. “That sounds beautiful. By the way, you remember the vai up the street that was growing flowers? They’ve found their partner and are about to plan their wedding. You might ask them about doing a performance.”

Saif nodded. That sounded like like a nice gig, and it would make for good practice. Truth be told, as much as Saif wanted to go into theater, they hadn’t really gotten a good chance to perform since they were a small child. Their parents liked to embarass them with stories about their child acting. Their curiosity started to get to them. “When was the match made?”

Their sa shrugged. “I wasn’t told.”

Saif pouted playfully. Well that was a shame. “I’ll look into it if I have time after reclamation then. How’s your health doing?” Their sa’lidayn had been suffering on and off for as long as Saif could remember, so it bore asking.

The sa beamed. “I’m doing well! Taking care of my diet’s still a bit hard, but I’ve been managing fairly well!”

Saif let out a deep breath. They felt blessed to hear that. “I’ll try to be around for food shopping again then, sa.”

“You know you don’t have to…”

Saif sighed. “It’s my responsibility to make sure you’re okay, isn’t it?” This is hiding their belief that their sa was particularly terrible at remembering what they could and could not have. One would think they’d remember after going through the consequences once, but their sa was special that way.

Saif’s ka, their older parent, interjected. “So, now that you’re back, are you ready for your reclamation?” Their voice was heavy with anticipation.

Saif nearly withered away in their seat. The answer to that question was definitely a no, but they didn’t quite have the strength to tell ka at the moment. “I’m going to need some time to prepare?” Their voice emitted an uncharacteristic squeak. Saif was one to live their life with a grace flowing like the wind. This was… rather the opposite of that.

Their ka noticed this. “Is something wrong, Saif?” Saif struggled to get their words out. Their ka deflated. “You’re not ready, are you?” Saif shook their head. The ka sighed. “You know you can’t put off your reclamation forever. I assume the word of your return is already going out. Take some time to think things out and we’ll help you get prepared. Could you go check that your robes are still good?”

Right, the Ancestral dress. A long, featureless robe that covered most of the body and a matching veil covering most of the face, with a small gap for their eyes. Of course Saif had them, but even the ustads whose whole lives revolved around their faith didn’t wear them as casual dress. After all, your cover was who you are and the Ancestral dress was… well, none of that.

Saif nodded and went off to their room.

The next few days are a quiet buzz steadily ramping up to the big day. Most of Saif’s neighbors have been checking in on them and congratulating them on making it back in one piece. It still stung a bit every time Saif had to remember that they didn’t get the map they were looking for, but it was starting to get less painful. Plans for the afterparty were floating around but Saif was naturally having something of a difficult time hearing what was actually being planned.

And then the day came. When Saif had gathered to their shrine for the daily morning prayer, the ustad had come to them asking if they were ready. Saif had to swallow their pride one last time to admit that they were still nervous about the big day since they had come back with nothing to show. The ustad simply shook their head, gently enough that their covering didn’t twirl. (Saif remembered having to learn how to do that. It annoyed the heck out of them at the time.) “Just because you didn’t come back with what you had intended to seek doesn’t mean that you have come back with nothing of value.” Saif nodded hesitantly. “I am afraid I’m going to have to speak with you soon though. About the sword you came back with.”

Right, that. Saif honestly hadn’t been thinking about that too much since they had come back. It wasn’t going to be that important, was it? Was it?

The ceremony itself took place in the grand shrine. The fact that they alone were wearing the ceremonial dress was making Saif a bit anxious. They double checked that they still had the token in their hands. Somebody in the courtyard had noticed them as they walked in, with a head covering bearing the design of the token Saif had used to get in, most likely the ustad in charge of the ceremony, if they had to guess. Saif was led to a small room in one of the wings. Inside was a small stage with a tray about the size of Saif’s hand, a few steps for seating, and what Saif guessed was a small oven of some sort.

The ustad led Saif down to the stage and sat them down in front of the tray. Taking their seat opposite them, the ustad spoke to Saif. “It’s your special day, then. Too late for you to turn back now.” They spoke with a tone of voice that told Saif that there was an annoyingly gentle smile behind their cover, coming just shy of actually being reassuring.

When the sound of guests filing in behind Saif had finally ceased, the ustad began their speech. “I would like to begin this occasion by thanking the Ancestor that one of our own has returned. Let us all welcome Saif back home.” There was a pause occupied only by murmuring from the audience.

“It is through our constant vigilance in remembering what the Ancestor had taught us that we continue to survive and thrive today. We thus have considered it right to ask each and every one of us to go out and make a change on the world before we let them into the age of adulthood. As they had shown us the way to keep our world safe, it is our job to keep it safe.” The ustad turned their gaze to look Saif square in the eye. “And now that you have indeed returned, we ask that you prove that you have made a change on the world.”

Saif swallowed and began speaking. “I suppose I have. Though I set out to make a chart of a void upon our maps, I have come back with a discovery of why that void exists. I have seen the ways that it protects itself from those hoping to attain knowledge and yet I have come out with understanding. Understanding of the creatures within and what purpose it seeks to uphold.” Now was not the time to mention the bit where the forest decided to give them a weapon. “I have seen the ways that it manipulates space and that it hums in its own distinct way. I consider this a worthy contribution.” Saif had rehearsed that line enough times that they almost believed it.

The ustad nodded. “Your contribution is worthy indeed. It is my pleasure and my duty to bestow upon you the honor of maturity. We thank you for continuing to pay our debt to existence and we expect that you will lead the next generation to do the same.” Saif nodded. The ustad looked them in the eyes once more and asked. “Now, place your token in the tray in front of you.”

Saif pulled it out and laid it on the floor. The ustad gently picked it up and opened it. They pulled out a small bit of cloth that Saif didn’t know was even in there. “This is the last of your childhood. It is not to be cherished, but sacrificed in the name of furthering yourself and those around you.” The ustad got up and started the oven. A short while later, a fire arose. “Please cast it into the fire.” Saif did as instructed. The fire burned a bit brighter. “I welcome to our home the new adult, Saif. Let us conclude this occasion with a brief prayer for the hard work Saif has done and will continue to do.”

The people gathered whispered to themselves a short phrase, before the crowd rose together with a single stretch. Soon they were descending upon the stage to speak with Saif and each other. Saif themself didn’t know most of them all that well; they were mostly friends of their parents. But they were polite and did their best to keep up with the small talk. Eventually the crowd whittled down to just four: the ustad, and Saif’s family. The parents bowed in greeting to Saif and there was a special joy in ka’s eyes when they said “we arranged some guests for you at home that we think you will enjoy meeting.” Saif was surprised. That part hadn’t been communicated to them in all of their attempts to learn what was going on. (Either that or Saif had misunderstood something they had said, which was equally likely.)

The trip home was suspenseful and Saif had spent most of it wondering who exactly their parents had managed to invite for the occasion. When they finally arrived, it didn’t take Saif too long to notice that the guests were wearing a familiar jacket and skirt, that of the dance troupe that Saif had been wanting to join for ages. Saif lit up when they realized who they were. The troupe’s lead, Ayesha, giggled at Saif’s excitement. “So, you wanted to meet us for your reclamation?” Saif nodded rapidly; Saif had to grab their veil to maintain any degree of proper cover. With a gentle eye close and a soft laugh, Ayesha gave their approval. “I take it you’re looking to get into the world of dance then?”

Saif’s eyes went wide. “Absolutely, I adore your shows.”

Ayesha got up and moved toward Saif. “Then let’s start with something basic. How is your twirl?”

Saif spun around on their foot, ending on as graceful of a pose as they could muster. Ayesha shook their head. “You’re going too fast. Calm down a bit. Your movement ought to have grace to it.” They demonstrated, their jacket lifting ever so slightly, and their skirt flowing like a banner in the wind. Saif of course had seen this countless times and it was beatiful every time they saw it.

Chapter Text

It hadn’t been a day before the local ustad had asked Saif to come with them after the morning prayer. “I am afraid I need to speak with you for a moment.”

Saif paused for a moment in slight fear. They were hoping it wasn’t going to be anything major… wait, right, the dang sword they found. They weren’t going to be able to donate that to the local gym, were they? Saif groaned at the realization.

The ustad led them to the reading room and sat down at their usual desk. “I understand your hesitation to accept this responsibility. It was forced upon you and I can feel you’re not ready to accept it.”

Saif nodded glumly. “I don’t know. I’m not a swordfighter. I’m hardly a fighter at all! I’m the vai that skips and twirls their way to the shrine for prayer! Why do I have to go through all of this?”

The ustad paused. “I’m afraid I don’t know at the moment. But I have a suspicion. How did you get that sword?”

Saif thought for a bit. “It wasn’t my idea, really. But the Woods kept pushing me towards it, and the local creatures insisted that I pick it up. That’s really the only reason I have it.” Saif didn’t have to say much more before they noticed that, even through the small gap in their veil, the ustad’s eyes were wide with fear.

“I see… I’m going to need to have a discussion, but I fear that the Woods knows something that we do not. I shall come back to you soon.”

Saif blinked as the ustad got up to leave the room in a calm hurry. The feeling of trepidation stuck with them for the next few days, waiting for the announcement of what exactly they were supposed to do. Their footwork had become slower and more purposeful. After a few days, Ka had pulled Saif aside and asked them “Saif, is everything okay? You don’t have the joy in your movement that you used to have.”

Saif paused for a moment. “I don’t know. I was speaking with the ustad a few days ago and …they had some sort of revelation, but I’m still waiting to hear what it means for me.”

Ka nodded. “I’m sure you’ll be fine. You’ll find your way around it. After all, you always told me that you take pride in being able to find your way around, no matter what. You just need to let your heart do the navigating this time.”

Saif nodded and smiled beneath their mask. When they thought about it that way, it seemed less stressful. All Saif needed to do was figure out where to go. They repeated the thought a few times to internalize it.

It was only a few days later that the ustad had come back to Saif. After morning prayer, the ustad asked if they could meet with Saif’s family. After a short moment of stress, Saif agreed. They were not looking forward to dusting the carpet.

Indeed, they only just finished when there was a knock on the door. Saif scrambled to get to the door first, but Ka had beaten them to it. “Hello there, my name is Hakim and I am afraid I have something I must discuss with your family.”

Ka paused for a moment. “Oh?”

Hakim nodded. “Is Saif here?”

Ka turned around as Saif took a few steps closer, with their hands held to their mask. “Saif, what’s wrong?”

Saif merely whimpered in response, unwilling to say it out loud.

The ustad sighed. “You’ll be fine, Saif. Might you lead us to your guest room?”

With a huff, Saif led them to the guest room and laid out the cushions for everyone to sit on.

The ustad gave a subtle nod. “Has Saif talked to you about what happened to them during their journey of youth?”

Ka shifted their head, their head coverings drooping on their shoulder. “They told us that they had a rough time, but nothing too dramatic happened, did it?”

Saif shrunk in their seat. They mumbled “I got the sword.”

Sa shifted in a similar manner. “What was that about a sword?”

Ka paused and attempted to work out something on their fingers. When they ran out of ideas, they shoved their hands in their lap and asked “Where did you get a sword in the Woods?”

The ustad paused before answering “You know of the legends of the Sword of Hyrule?”

Saif’s parents shook their heads. Ka said “Afraid not, haven’t even heard about it since I was a child ready for my own journey.”

The ustad adjusted their robes and sat up straight. “It’s an artifact from the myths of Hyrule, said to only be wielded by the country’s greatest heroes, which means that your child has been chosen to handle a grave threat.”

A pause. “And we have no idea what that threat is.”

Saif’s family stared at Hakim, in various forms of worry.

“You don’t know?” Saif shouted.

Hakim shook his head forlornly. “The information has not come across our settlement at the moment, unfortunately. However, in the name of protecting our home and preventing disaster, Saif, I must ask you to come with me on a mission to one of the Rito settlements so we may better understand why the Woods have chosen you.”

Ka interrupted. “Why do you want Saif, then? They only just recently became an adult!”

Hakim responded “Because the Sword of Hyrule is said to be protected by the Woods. Saif wouldn’t have been able to find it, much less pull it, unless the creatures of the Woods agreed that Saif needed it to protect Hyrule.”

Sa turned their head. “Why Hyrule specifically?”

Hakim paused and sighed. “That, I do not know, but that is what we’ve seen of the historical record.”

Saif paused for a few seconds. They didn’t like the situation, but they knew that they didn’t have a good reason to put their own needs over that of what could be thousands of people, more than Saif could ever know. They sighed. “Okay then. When do we start?”

The answer, it turned out, would be within the week. Hakim actually had a wagon set up for travel, so Saif loaded it with all of the gear they had brought with them for mapping the Woods. Food, a few quick drinks, camping gear, and a few books that Saif had been wanting to read. As they packed, Hakim observed and asked them a pointed question. “You seem surprised. Why is that?”

Saif gulped. “I… how long have you had this? Why didn’t we have it for our journeys?” The pain of carrying a load of camping equipment by themself was still fresh in Saif’s memory.

Hakim paused and gently closed their eyes. “This is reserved for shrine duties, Saif. And besides, the point of going on the journey is survival. You need to learn this for yourself.”

Saif huffed. “You don’t have enough of these for everyone, do you?”

Hakim chuckled. “That too.”

It took Saif a good while to get ready to leave. They had just came back to their home and… they were not prepared to leave it again. But Saif had made their peace and rode to the gates. It was Saif’s first venture outside since the journey, and their travel papers were still fresh. When the guards had checked if Saif’s hands matched the ones on the papers, they were worried they were going to smudge it a bit.

With home behind them, Saif looked back with a frown behind their mask. They missed home. No, that’s not quite it. They wanted time to stay home. They only had a few days to come back home and get some rest before they had to start preparing for a journey that was forced upon them.

It wasn’t too long before Hakim broke the silence. “I know you’re sad about having to go. I get it. For all the strength our path gives us, it asks us to make sacrifices too. So many little things that others experience that we give up for our own protections. But at the end of the day, it’s worth it, because it makes us better people. You understand that, right? And for all that we give up, we get so much in return. So don’t despair. This won’t be long.”

Saif nodded. A question formed soon after though. “Why do we have to make those sacrifices though?”

Hakim shook his head. “Well, to be quite honest, the answer is we don’t. Even back home, there are voes living among us, but we choose to do so.”

Saif was… surprised to think about that. They’d certainly not met a voe before, unless one counted the creatures of the Woods. But they knew Hakim was right. Doing all of these things gave Saif strength of character. The faith was an integral part of who Saif was, and they wouldn’t dare to give that up. But Saif still had to ask “How do you know they’re a voe?”

Hakim laughed. “You don’t, usually. I’ve worked with a few by the nature of my job, though, and there are some that don’t mind fitting in and some that held on to the old ways. The voes are people, just like us. They just see things… differently. Of course, those are voes living with us. And there are plenty of others out there living on their own terms.”

“So what do we do?”

“For one, set a good example. There are some voes that will come around, and it’s nice when that happens, but that’s rare. But, really they’re just people, and should be treated as such. Their existence isn’t a threat to our safety, and there are things to be learned from observing others.”

Saif nodded. They paused for a bit. “So what do the voes do? Who do they look up to?”

“Well, some of them look up to the Magician, whom they call Hylia.”

Saif paused, almost in disbelief. “Really? But the Magician didn’t do much.” Sure, they helped out a bit, but they were a secondary player in the grand scheme of things.

“That is unfortunately one of the troubles of working with the voes. Their history, especially in the age of Demise, tends to differ quite a bit. Putting their own figures up top. Why, the followers of the Magician refer to them as a goddess!”

What a ludicrous idea. “Weren’t they just a person like you or I though?”

“It depends on who you ask. Most of our histories give our figures privacy. We speak of their deeds more than of their character.”

“Because the Ancestor told them to be as one, right? For their safety!” This was something every vai knew, if only because parents would tell it to their children to get them to wear cover at a young age.

“Precisely. But you have enough people telling the same stories, and somewhere the details get changed. They speak of the events that we know happened, but they tell it in a way we don’t recognize. And they come out with their own ideas of how to live.”

Saif paused for a bit. It felt weird to think about. This was stuff that everybody knew, right? The age of Demise had the most well-documented stories, right? Right?

Saif must have been thinking that over for a bit when Hakim interrupted their thought by asking “Saif, is something wrong?”

“We know all this stuff to be true, right? The Ancestor and everything?”

“Largely yes! But… Saif, do you know what oral history is?” After a pause, Hakim continued “Saif, you have to understand that our stories weren’t written down originally. They have been written down, yes, but not immediately. Our earliest records come from people telling each other things, much like we are now. And oral history is a curious thing, because our collective ability to remember things is turbulent at the best of times. Part of my job is figuring out the things that might have been lost from those original storytellers.”

Saif nodded in understanding. “So, they’re trying to remember what happened, just like we are, and they came to a different conclusion!”

“Exactly!”

Saif was about to ask another question when they noticed that the sun had begun to set. They weren’t in the desert any more. “Where… are we?”

Hakim let out a small, hearty laugh. “Saif, I thought you had the map memorized! We’re just a bit north of the desert we call our home.”

Saif blushed a bit behind their mask. Hakim was right and they didn’t like the reminder.

Chapter Text

Saif rose up early. Judging by the position of the moon, they should have been able to spend a bit of time before the sun rose for morning prayer. Hakim was still sound asleep, and Saif didn’t want to wake their elder.

But they had something they needed to practice.

If Hakim was right, if the Woods wanted specifically Saif to wield this sword, they were going to have to learn how to use it. A more diligent vai wouldn’t have put off the responsibility for the petty reason of wanting to spend time at home, but Saif… Saif missed the day to day.

The steppe had more variety than the desert Saif called home, but it was still lacking much in things for Saif to use as an opponent. Saif sighed and drew Hyrule’s Sword. It was longer and heavier than what they were used to, all things considered. Saif had learned the quick and dextrous footplay of making and dodging swings of the dagger. As much as Saif wasn’t a fighter, the back and forth was a little bit worth it, even if Saif knew that it was mostly useful for show fighting.

Well, Saif thought it was going to be mostly used for show fighting. They were going to be a proper fighter now, weren’t they? They were going to encounter threats beyond stray creatures that saw a lovingly wrapped bundle of food. Proper hostile entities. Maybe even the sorts of creatures Saif only heard of in legends.

Like the Beast.

Most of the mythological figures of the vai’ren were addressed by title. Usually, this is done out of respect, since the early vai culture arose from a desire to lay low among an enemy that wanted nothing but the erasure of all that existed. But the Beast was different. The Beast wasn’t one of the original vai that swore to secrecy and anonymity. No, they came later. The Beast was stripped of its name to deny it the legacy of power and conquest it so desired. The Beast was everything a vai shouldn’t be. Vain, envious, tyrannical. They say the Beast had never died, but the sightings had been so rare that most vai simply assume it suffered an inglorious death.

But if Hakim was right, then maybe the Beast wasn’t dead, which meant learning the sword.

Saif groaned and began waving it about. It was heavy, in a way that felt uncomfortable, if not unnatural for somebody used to a much lighter weapon. Every small motion forced them to make corrections as the tip wandered, straining their wrist muchles in ways they had never imagined. Saif was never a fighter even on the best of occasions, but they still practiced their dagger. If nothing else, it suited the dance that was Saif’s every movement. This felt clunky, like another limb was being grafted onto their hand. Saif hated it. Never mind being able to fight with it, they weren’t going to be able to hold the thing any time soon.

It hadn’t been nearly enough time before they heard Hakim waking up. Saif sighed and sheathed the blade. Looking to the eastern sky, it was very nearly dawn. Time to prepare for the morning prayer.

“Oh, you’re up already?” Hakim muttered as Saif returned to the wagon.

Saif squirmed a bit. “Been up for a while. Trying to practice my sword skills.”

Hakim made a small but hearty chuckle. “That’s really getting to ya, huh?” Saif’s response was but a quiet noise. “Don’t worry too much about it. I’m heading towards somebody who can actually teach you to use that thing.”

Saif leaned their head to the side. “We are?”

“We are.” Hakim’s gaze loosened. “A Rito settlement. There should still be a teacher there to teach you the way of the sword.”

“Rito… settlement? I thought they were nomadic?”

“Well, yes, but you can’t raise a child in the skies.”

Saif nodded, then paused. “Why not? Can’t they all fly?”

The brow of Hakim’s veil rose. “Not at a young age. The Rito hatchlings have to learn how to fly. And for the vai, they tend not to get the hang of it until it’s time for them to go on their journeys. As a result, they tend not to speak of the journey in terms of a destination or a lofty goal, but in terms of the fledgling’s independence. Their first time away from the flock, following the winds that take them.”

Saif digested that information. “Don’t they have to come back?”

Hakim chuckled gently. “Not always! The Rito are naturally nomadic, remember? They often join the flights of whatever Rito they can find. They may never see their home again! It’s what happens when you’re raised to prepare for a life of constant travel!”

Saif considered for a few moments. It felt… foreign to them.

“I suppose so”, they conceded. “So, why the Rito specifically?”

“For one, because word gets around faster when you’re airborne, but also because this settlement has the best combat trainer I’ve met.”

Saif pursed their lips behind their veil. “If we’re going for training, why didn’t we just do that at home?”

Hakim looked to the horizon. “Saif, do you remember how frustrated you were when I talked to you about the responsibility the Sword of Hyrule represents? How much you wanted to just be done with it? Would you want to pass that responsibility to your teachers? To your family? To the people who can do nothing but watch?”

Saif didn’t answer. Instead, they turned their gaze to the skies. It looked like noon. More importantly, it looked like there was another settlement nearby. It was settled near a forest, and judging from the look of it, the walls either continued into it, or the treeline served as a border. Saif wanted to look further, but Hakim beckoned the eager navigator inside.

Hakim seemed worried though. “Are you bothered?”, they asked with the utmost sincerity.

“No?” The brow of Saif’s mask rose in confusion. “I’m just… trying to get a feel for the location.”

“Does this have to do with your time in the Woods?”

Saif groaned at the reminder. “Did you really have to bring that up?”

Hakim’s gaze lowered. “I needed to make sure you haven’t been… hurt by your failure.”

Saif squirmed. Hakim was onto something. Saif was still a bit bothered by what had happened. It was the one spot missing on their maps, marred by the will of apocrypha. They wanted completion, so badly, and for it to be ruined by something so impossibly out of their control was annoying.

Saif only noticed how long they had been thinking about it when Hakim interrupted their thought. “I’m sorry, Saif, I did not mean to wound you.”

“It’s nothing,” Saif groaned, “it’s just… frustrating.”

Hakim looked Saif in the eye. “Why is that?”

Saif’s gaze drifted away. “…because knowing how to get from place to place is my thing. I’ve been poring over maps since I was young. And to have that one little blemish that I can’t record because the forest doesn’t want me to? It’s aggravating.”

Hakim nodded. “I see…” They trailed off, searching for the right thing to say. “Would you care to indulge me for a second?” At Saif’s nod, they continued. “Tell me why this matters so much to you? You said yourself you weren’t preparing for a life of travel.”

Saif paused. Their voice was uneasy. “It just… I don’t know, it feels right?”

Hakim nodded. “You learned for the sake of having the knowledge and skills, then? Not for any particular need?” Saif nodded in return. “That is perfectly acceptable. I know I had a similar drive myself. Why else do you think I got the role I did?”

Saif paused, thinking for a moment. All the shrine’s employees were volunteers. Apparently that included Hakim. “So, the light on your veil…”

“Was my own choice, yes. It represents the light of the faith. It is of course a small light, since one human can only shine so much, compared to the blinding light that the faith gives us.” Looking through the gap in Hakim’s veil, Saif could see the expression of a vai deep in their passion.

Saif could feel the pressure of Hakim trying to learn their ward. “So you find geography special?”

Saif gave a hesitant “Yes?” The answer was obvious, yes, but the question wasn’t one that they were ready to discuss. Saif had never found the need to examine these feelings before, and to do so now was… difficult.

Hakim nodded thoughtfully. “Would you care to show me then?”

Saif pulled out their compass. “You know how we pray towards home?”

“Of course.”

“Well, first then we have to find home.” Saif pulled out their compass. “And sure, we all have one of these, but what if we don’t? And so I started studying. It turns out finding locations relative to other locations is really intricate! The path of the sun helps with part of finding your bearings, but the rest we have to guess! Or!” And then Saif raised a very pointed finger. “Or we become very familiar with the reference points. So I’ve been studying geography for… most of my life now, poring over maps to understand our world. My sa has made sure my info’s kept up to date!”

“Well put,” Hakim gave an indulgent nod before gesturing to their surroundings. “So then… where are we?”

Saif started tapping their fingers. “Well, we’ve mostly been traveling due north of our home in Nakhlahwah¹, so the local forest is Mut’akhasb²? I don’t remember there being a settlement here though…”

Saif slipped through the gate, with Hakim close behind, to find that the settlement inside was… empty. It looks like there was an attempt at construction and people may have lived here before, but it hasn’t been inhabited in years. As far as they could tell, the settlement hadn’t been finished and just faded into the forest.

Saif looked to Hakim with confusion and worry in their brow. “I think I know why we haven’t heard of this place.”

Hakim followed Saif through the empty street of half finished homes. “Curious…”

Saif walked in, looking over the half finished constructions. “It doesn’t… look like there was a conflict. Just like… they gave up for some reason. Why do you think that is?”

Hakim shook their head. “I don’t know. Perhaps an invasion?”

“Wouldn’t there be signs of conflict then? It looks more like that the people just… up and left.”

Hakim huffed. “Can’t imagine why that would be. I suppose they had made a poor judgement in where to settle down?”

“They probably moved deeper into the forest, let’s look deeper.”

“I’ll take the cart, you go on ahead.”

The forest was deep. It almost reminded Saif of the Lost Woods, except that it didn’t mess with their ability to navigate, which was always a plus. Saif was pondering how Hakim was going to move the cart through when they heard a noise. “Hello? Anyone there?”

There was no response besides the rustling of leaves. A few moments later, the shape of a person came out. The materials were different, but Saif was almost sure they were looking at one of their own.

1. From the Arabic for "lone palm" [ ▲ ]
2. From the Arabic for "fertile joy" [ ▲ ]