Oh great Sage of Wind, knowing your profound connection to the wind and your extensive history with the bow, I am curious to hear your insightful judgment about something. When comparing the abilities of Link, Tulin, Revali, and Teba, who in your esteemed view, is the superior archer?
A question concerning the discipline of archery, and pitting Hylians against Ritos no less.
Under normal circumstances, I might find this comparison rather... unfair. After all, the bow is an extension of the wind for us Rito, it's in our very feathers, our very bones. To compare a grounded folk to a creature of the sky in our natural element of ranged combat... well, it brings a flutter of amusement to my spirit.
However, the Hylian in question is Link. And Link is, regrettably for my usual Rito pride, anything but normal. He is an exemplary individual, a phenomenon, really. His skill with the bow, even without our innate connection to the wind, is undeniable. At times, I've even mused that perhaps he received tutelage from a Rito warrior during his younger years, or that he lived with them for an extended period of time. His form and precision can sometimes possess a certain... Rito elegance, though I suspect it's simply his own extraordinary talent manifesting.
Now then. Let us consider the contenders you've named.
Young Tulin. He is my descendant, and possesses a raw talent with the bow that is truly remarkable for one so young. He can already harness the wind's power in ways that would make many older Rito envious. Yet, he is still a fledgling, only just beginning to truly understand the breadth of the sky and the patience required for true mastery. He has much growing to do, many more lessons to learn. And learn he will, not only from his father Teba, but also, interestingly enough, from Link, who has become a mentor figure to him in his own right. So, while promising, young Tulin for now, stands at the end of this particular ranking, due to his lack of seasoned experience.
Now, Link and Revali. This is where it becomes truly... fascinating. Revali, as I've come to learn, was very renowned among my people for his skill with the bow. He set records at the Flight Range that were thought unbreakable, conquered trials that were deemed insurmountable for anyone but himself to prove his worthiness to pilot Vah Medoh. His arrogance and pride was vast, certainly, however it was backed by genuine skill.
But then comes Link. A Hylian, without wings, without our inherent rapport with aerial archery, and he managed to achieve those very same accomplishments. He matched Revali's records, he faced the same trials and emerged victorious. It's quite humbling, frankly, to see one so different achieve such parity.
Adding to that, we Rito, despite our keen eyes for distance, suffer from rather poor night vision. It's a weakness we must contend with. Hylians, on the other hand, do not share this affliction. Taking that into account, Link would, ever so slightly, edge out Revali in a purely objective assessment across all conditions. But for all intents and purposes, they are, remarkably equal. Plus considering their rela... respectable interactions, I'm sure they both appreciate being equals.
However... there is Teba.
Teba. My other descendant. There is a quiet strength, a humble, almost stern demeanor about him that belies the sheer, terrifying skill he possesses with the bow. I have lived many centuries, I have seen countless Rito warriors in their prime. But I have never, seen a Rito capable of firing so many arrows, with such blistering speed, such unwavering accuracy, and such deadly intent, as Teba. It isn't just skill, it feels like a fundamental understanding of the bow's very soul. He is a storm of arrows, precise and relentless. I genuinely believe he doesn't fully comprehend the magnitude of his own ability. How far he's exceeded even the best of my people. But it does not change the truth. When it comes down to pure, unadulterated mastery and application of archery in combat, Teba is a cut above the rest. He surpasses Revali, he surpasses Link, and he certainly surpasses young Tulin, despite passing the torch to him.
So, in my seasoned judgment, Tulin has the potential, but still much to learn. Link and Revali being remarkably equal in their unique paths to mastery, with Link holding a tiny, practical edge. Teba is the superior archer amongst them. A quiet master of the bow, and a force of nature in his own right.
