The Temple of Light
Link awoke on a plush golden coloured carpet. In his slightly disoriented state, he thought he saw something green, but whatever it was, it disappeared. Link finally remembered what happened and he bounced to his feet in an instant. He looked around with the suspicion and wariness that comes with being a thief.
He found himself now standing on the carpet in what appeared to be a temple. It was very similar to the Temple of Time, but slightly more decorative. The walls were beautifully built out of yellow limestone. There were many windows letting light into the hall giving the walls a golden hue.
Also along the walls, tapestries hung depicting the sacred Triforce and even some depicted the goddess'. Link was still wary, but he curiously looked at these tapestries and found out a great deal of the history behind the Triforce. The legend of the righteous heart or the evil wish, the creation of the world known as Hyrule, and even more recent history were all depicted on a huge tapestry that flowed around the hall.
"This place is known as the Great Hall in the Temple of Light. As you can see, it has many depictions of the Triforce, it's original resting place," a soft feminine voice said. Link spun around and was confronted by beautiful young woman with emerald green hair with mischievous green eyes to match. She was dressed in a simple forest green long-sleeved dress.
Link immediately knew that this had to be Farore, the Goddess of Courage. He knelt in respect to her. Like Kariah, Farore chuckled lightly at his reaction. "That is not necessary Hero," she said cheerfully, "Now do you know why you are here?"
"No Lady Farore, would you be kind enough to enlighten me?" Link asked politely, hoping that she didn't detect the hidden sarcasm. Farore raised a green eyebrow but said nothing.
"I had a plea that came from the princess; the Triforce of Power that Ganondorf holds is corrupting her father's mind. He no longer has control. He isn't aware of what is happening. Zelda has prayed to me and has told me to give her courage. I can only do so much for her without your help Hero. Kariah has also told me that Zelda was at the Temple of Time while you were sleeping here in this temple," Farore paused, waiting for Link's reaction.
"What must I do?" Link asked, suppressing the negative feelings toward the royal family. He knew that they were somehow responsible for his ending up on the city streets.
"You must find a leader in each race across Hyrule and break the curse by using the power of the six sages and the Triforce of Wisdom and Courage," Farore said. Link nodded calmly slowly turning to face the exit.
"Wait Hero, aren't you surprised?" Farore asked. Link shook his head. "After today, nothing can surprise me anymore," he said calmly. "If that is the case you will need the Triforce of Courage to return to Hyrule and awaken the Sage of Light," Farore said, moving slowly to the tapestry that depicted her.
"It is my gift to you. Please, help the princess," Farore said, gently drawing the triangle in the air. Link approached and gazed at the sacred golden triangle.
"Touch the triangle to allow its power to become a part of you, Hero," Farore said softly, seriousness replaced the playfulness. Link carefully touched the triangle and he could feel energy and magic pulse through his arm and warm his whole body. He looked at his hand and found the mark of the Triforce on his left hand.
"One more thing Hero, Kariah will teach you the melodies to awaken these six sages. And the Triforce of Wisdom will appear to you on its own," Farore said, smiling encouragingly at Link.
"Return to Hyrule and save the land Hero using the power of the Triforce of Courage and the Master Sword. Remember the Triforce of Courage will aid you and so will Kariah. Good luck Hero," Farore said as she slowly disappeared, leaving Link to call on his new power to take him home to Hyrule.
Kariah stood quietly in the Temple of Time with Rauru, waiting the return of the Hero of Time. Her acute ears heard the wind behind the Door of Time, and she ran forward and gently pushed on the door to open it to let Link through. Link walked through the door with the Master Sword and the Ocarina of Time in his hands.
"Welcome home Hero," Kariah softly greeted. Link was surprised for he did not recognize her at first. She had changed her appearance shortly after he had entered the realm. 'I guess I lied to Farore, I have once again been surprised,' Link thought wryly as he recognized Kariah's voice.
"Thank you Kariah, but didn't Farore say something else about awakening the Sage of Light?" Link asked calmly. "She did indeed Hero, Rauru could you please come here," Kariah said, calling the priest over.
Rauru approached and looked at Link. "Hero, I am aware that I am the Sage of Light, but in order to awaken the power that lies dormant, you must play the melody known as the Prelude of Light, Kariah will teach it to you," Rauru explained.
Kariah silently watched Link for a moment with her violet eyes before pulling out a small wooden ocarina. "Listen well Hero, for I will play the Prelude of Light on the Fairy Ocarina and you are to follow on the Ocarina of Time," Kariah instructed.
Link nodded and Kariah brought the ocarina to her soft pink lips. Soon a light and almost bouncy sound echoed through the temple. Link listened and then joined her after she started to repeat the song for the third time. She quietly let him finish the song by himself, awakening the power of the Sage of Light, Rauru.
"Well done Link," Kariah said after he had lowered the Ocarina of Time. He looked at her in puzzlement, for she had called him by his real name and not Hero. She smiled cheekily at him and he sighed in defeat. He figured that he would never be able to figure out the personality changes in women, soft and serious one minute and cheerful and happy the next.
"I am ready to follow your command Hero of Time, call me from within the Chamber of Sages when it is time for us to come together and help you defeat the curse on King Harkinian," Rauru said, "I give you this medallion to aid you in your quest for justice Link, it has my power and will allow you to access the Chamber of Sages when the time is right."
Link nodded and accepted the medallion. It was small but he could feel the power within it. He looked at it closely and found that it had the same design as one of the circular patterns on the hexagonal platform that the Master Sword had rested in. He wondered if that platform was the key to the Chamber of Sages.
"Ok Link, first things first, you need a change of clothes. You will be recognized by the guards if you look like you currently do," Kariah said briskly as Rauru disappeared in a flash of light. Link looked down at the tattered rags he was wearing. "Good luck, unless you have money," Link said bitterly.
"Nonsense, I'm a goddess remember. I weave what I need and right now you need some clothes that only a prince would wear," Kariah said, thinking for a moment. "How about a simple tunic with white leggings to go with it? That would be something that you would be able to easily defend yourself in too," Kariah mused.
"Just one question Lady Kariah, why do I have to be a prince?" Link asked. "First of all you won't gain access to the castle without being of noble birth and on a quest to seek Zelda's hand in marriage. Second call me Kari, it's a name that people won't identify to the name of the Goddess Kariah," Kariah said, carefully designing the tunic in her mind's eye.
"Seek Zelda's hand in marriage!" Link spluttered. "I didn't say you had to, I just said that you have to pretend to, otherwise we won't get in there," Kariah said calmly, "What colour do you want your tunic to be?" Link was still reeling in shock but said he wanted forest green to honour Farore. " Good choice," Kariah said softly.
She muttered something and the clothes appeared out of thin air. "Here put these on and I will go and beautify your mare," Kariah said, handing him the clothes and turned to head out of the temple.
"How did you gain Epona's trust?" Link asked curiously. "I have learned your whistle and your song for her Link, now do hurry, we must get going."