Things of shadow

[hylianxsheikah]

[The snow falling gently over Kakariko's cemetary is almost poetic, if one is inclined to view it so. In his present state, Sheik hardly is. The shadow temple is a difficult lure to resist, but he sits against a gravestone with his back to the outcropping of rock that hides its entrance, as though the dead might conceal him. And why not?]

[He watches a crow that has come to peck through the snow, looking for morsels to eat--a fitting addition to the picture this cold, dead graveyard presents. His eyes follow the crow intently--very intently--as it hops closer, closer...]

[He puts out a hand to it, almost gently.]

Come here, brother.

[The crow eyes the outstretched hand, cocks its head. Pecks it. Sheik gives only the barest of flinches and does not withdraw his hand. A hop closer--]

[He snatches it, holds it between his two hands, lifted so he can look into his eyes. The crow stares back at him, unafraid.]

[He shivers a little, staring. Slowly the crow goes limp in his hands, the light leaving its black eyes. Sheik sighs, placing the body gently on the ground, and begins to dig in the snow and the cold earth to make it a grave, here among graves.]

Thank you, brother. And forgive me. This is the best I can give you in return.