The Golden Cucco guides Laurel in and out of the trees, taking sharp turns and unexpected detours, perhaps in an attempt to shake him off?
Eventually, they emerge into a moonlit clearing. The silver light illuminates a small grove, with tall grass and a lone tree growing in the centre. The Cucco halts at the base of the tree, where a single flower has sprouted in the grass.
You are no longer in need of my guidance. the creature announces with an undertone of sadness. May the Gods stay on your side. Good luck on your journey, my son. Farewell.
The Golden Cucco of legend fades from view, like a ghost in the mist. Laurel rubs his eyes in disbelief, when a leafy head shoots up from within the flower.
"Hey, what's all this racket about?" the Deku Scrub grunts. "I heard your footsteps stomping over here from a mile off! What's the big deal?!"
"Sorry, Sir!" Laurel apologises. "I was looking for a friend and now I appear to be lost. I don't suppose you saw a young lady pass through here?"
"Ah geez…" the Deku Scrub sighs. "You humans never learn, do you? The Lost Woods is no place for idiots like you! It's true what they say, you know; if you hang about here too long, you'll turn into an ugly bony Stalfos…"
"So I've heard…" Laurel mutters. "It's really important that I find my friend. She has no clue how to survive in the wilderness!"
"Well, since you're here, I may as well make the most of it…" The Deku Scrub switches his leafy nightcap for a small round hat with bright colours. "I'm a Business Scrub. I've got goods. What is it you're after?"
"I'm not really looking to-"
"I've got fish. I've got arrows. I've got Magic Beans. I've got the lot."
"No, I'm really not interested." Laurel declines.
"Hold up!" the Business Scrub says suddenly. "I've got just the thing for a lost soul such as yourself: how would you like a map?"
"A map?"
"A map of the Lost Woods!" he affirms. "What, you think us Dekus don't know our way around these parts? Since I feel sorry for you, I'll sell you it for the low price of just fifty Rupees."
"Fifty Rupees?"
"Fine, forty. But that's my final offer. You gonna pass up on this opportunity to un-lose yourself?"
Laurel hands over two red Rupees in exchange for a map of the Lost Woods.
"So, you want my advice?" the Scrub says. "Give up on the search for your friend. She'll be long gone by now. Nothing but a skeleton. Take this map and save yourself."
"I won't give up on her!" Laurel protests. "Where are we right now? Is this the Sacred Forest Meadow?"
"The Sacred Forest Meadow?! Ha!" the Business Scrubs caws. "You're a long way from that place, fella. Why would you want to go there? Creepy stuff happens there. I've been attacked by Wolfos, chased by monkeys, and even robbed by a squirrel! I'm telling you, these woods are weird! And with that, I'm off!"
He dives into his flower and returns carrying a sack over his shoulder.
"Nice doing business with you, fella. Now, Castle Town is calling me."
A propeller protrudes from his head, and he soars off into the night sky. After processing the curious turn of events, Laurel examines the map in his hands and determines which direction he should head next.
