"The world is big and I want to have a good look at it before it gets dark."

~John Muir~

Ancient Roots

Chapter 23: Thunderhead

As soon as Destiny's feet land softly against the smooth stone of the plaza in Skyloft, my mind is just as overcrowded with thoughts as it was when I left the Sealed Temple. Most of my thoughts are concerned with how much I've changed since I realised who I shared my soul with, but ideas around the meaning behind the Ballad of the Goddess's lyrics and the way to the Sacred Flames soon take over my brain as I hop off Destiny's back and release my Loftwing into the sky.

The feeling of the wind in my hair comforts me slightly as I make my way across the island, observing those going about their daily business in Zelda's—my—hometown. Other than the decorations for the Wing Ceremony being replaced with more lanterns for when the nights get darker, Skyloft has barely changed since that fateful day at the end of summer—that alone brightens my spirits, if only a little.

I'm walking out of the plaza and up the dirt path towards the Knight Academy when I notice Fledge hunched over an old book on one of the nearby benches. It's rare to see Fledge sitting outside since he's normally wary of being caught by Groose or his lackies, but now I suppose the shy boy is enjoying his liberties with the redhead gone (and hopefully he's not driving the priestess crazy). It's also rare to see Fledge without a book in his hand, but this particular one is so old and worn that I'm surprised it's seeing the light of day.

With my interest piqued, I take a seat beside Fledge and chirp, "It's nice seeing you out enjoying the weather."

He snaps his gaze up from the book, as if I've snapped him from a daze, and smiles at me, "Oh, hi Zelda. Y-Yes, it's a lovely day today, isn't it? How have you been?"

"I'm alright," I say, and this time it's only a half lie. "What are you reading?" He hesitates and starts to close the book, only to pause and rests his hand on the worn pages—he knows that I won't make fun of him.

"It's my aunt's research journal," he tells me.

I nod a little too eagerly, quickly realising how this could play in my favour. Fledge's aunt and uncle, Ashei and Shad, were massive fans of the unknown—anything to do with the Surface, the Goddess and everything that was pining for an explanation. I remember how they used to go around with the instructors to find any historical artifacts across the Sky Realm that could've come from the Surface. They passed away a few years ago and I assume Fledge wants to carry on their legacy.

"Can I have I look?" I ask quietly, smiling when he moves his hand away so I can take the book into my lap. The weathered pages are full of various notes and random words scattered haphazardly with diagrams and sketches to accompany them. As I flick through the pages, I suddenly notice a familiar set of lyrics—it's the Ballad of the Goddess. Pointing to it, I ask, "What's that there?"

"Oh, that?" Fledge parrots quietly. "My aunt and uncle thought that the lyrics were strange, almost like a riddle, so they tried to figure it its meaning."

"Did they ever work it out?" I ask, to which Fledge shakes his head. "Did they have any theories?" In response, Fledge flips through another few pages and gestures to some sketches of the windmills on the island and the Light Tower in the plaza.

"Well, the Light Tower mentioned in the song is a real place. They weren't sure about the two whirling sails, though they were probably related to the two windmills on the island," Fledge explains, then, "It sounds like the song is suggesting that if someone shows these whirling sails the way to the tower, something will happen?"

As he drifts off into silence, we let the conversation die for a moment as we both watch the sun shine against the white stone of the Light Tower, the gears of my brain turning as I try my best to connect something together. It doesn't take long before nothing comes to mind and I start to hand the book back to Fledge.

"Well, I don't think that I'll be able to help much in—oh, I'm so sorry!" As I pass it over, the pages flutter in the breeze and a small slip of paper tumbles onto the grass. I mentally kick myself as I crouch down to pick it up, stopping Fledge when he tries to do the same. I pluck the piece of paper from the ground and read the single word on it.

'Ventus.'

Something at the back of my mind clicks, but I'm not quite sure what it is. I shrug and hand it back to Fledge with another apology, to which he smiles and assures me, "It's alright; it's not your fault." I offer him a smile in return and he laughs nervously. "W-Well, I should go and get some lunch. Thank you for talking with me, Zelda. It's always nice to chat with you."

"And the same goes for you, Fledge," I reply as I let him go, only for him to stop a few paces ahead and turn back to me. "Is everything alright?"

"I just… I just wondered where Link had gotten to. I haven't seen him since the four of you came back together." He notices my crestfallen expression that I fail to hide and his eyes widen, "I-I'm sorry! I didn't mean to…"

I shake my head and effectively cut him off, "It's alright, Fledge. And he's… fine. He's just taking some time away after what happened to him."

"O-Oh," he stammers. "Well, I hope he comes back soon… w-when he's ready, of course."

Me too, I think to myself, then force a smile onto my face and say, "I'll see you soon, Fledge." He nods and bids me farewell, dodging a giddy Gully on his way back to the Knight Academy.

I sigh as I think on Impaz's words, "Any clues to finding the Sacred Flames have been woven into the lyrics of the Ballad of the Goddess." I sigh and let my eyes fall shut, focusing on the sun's warmth. I just hope that I can figure this out quickly…

Thinking back on that strange feeling I felt when I read the slip of paper from the research journal, I quietly ask, "Fi… what does ventus mean?" I feel the Goddess Sword hum at my side in response, but Fi remains out of sight as she responds.

"Ventus is an ancient word referring to the wind, Dominae," she explains. "In addition, it was a spell used by the Goddess for a variety of purposes—both offensive and defensive." I fail to hold back a gasp as I consider what that could mean for me. "Based on your previous success with the unda spell, I hypothesise that attempting to use this spell could provide a path to the first Sacred Flame."

Ventus… two whirling sails… a path shall open…

I snap my head up and grin; it's all coming together. Shad and Ashei were sitting on the answer this whole time! The Goddess Sword falls dim and I stand, setting my gaze on the nearby windmill with a burst of confidence. I glance up and down the path to make sure that I won't be seen by the islanders (and thankfully it seems a lot of them are busy or too far away to notice) before making my way towards the structure close by.

The large mill's sails lazily spin in the light breeze as I stare up at it. When it was a particularly windy day, I remember Jakamar spinning the small propellors at the bottom of the windmill so the entire structure would turn and the sails would always catch the wind. Although they don't serve a huge purpose on the island, the fact that these mills can move only supports my hunch even further.

Checking one last time to make sure the coast is clear, I raise my hand towards the small propellor and take a deep breath—I can do this. 'Show the two whirling sails the way to the Light Tower.' Well, there's two windmills on the island like Fledge said and, if this ventus spell works, then I can turn them towards the Light Tower. That has to be it, right? If I'm wrong, then I'll be back to square one with no idea what to do.

Please let this work, I pray. I don't have time to be figuring out puzzles…

Swallowing thickly, I stare at my outstretched fingers and whisper, "Ventus."

But something's different to the last time I tried casting a spell. Before, I couldn't feel anything to suggest that I could perform such a feat. Yet that was before I learned who I really was, and now I feel her power inside me—I can do this. The wind picks up around me without warning and catches the propellers at the top of the structure, slowly spinning them and, after a moment, turning the entire structure anti-clockwise.

The wind falters when I get overexcited, but I manage to regain my concentration and keep the windmill turning until its large sails are facing the Light Tower and something clicks into place. A gemstone at the top glows in reaction and I know I've done something right. I can't hold back my triumphant smile as I look down at my hands, still stunned that I just did what I did.

But I can't let myself linger for too long. After all, there's two whirling sails on the island and I have no time to lose. Breaking into a sprint, I race across the island with a renewed determination. Crossing the bridge into the residential part of town and dodging passers-by, I climb the hill towards the second windmill. Since I'm on higher ground and have a bigger chance of being spotted here, I press myself against the base of the windmill so I can conceal myself better and focus on the spell.

"Ventus…"

The breeze suddenly shifts and the windmill grumbles as it slowly starts to turn clockwise. When its sails finally face the Light Tower, the gemstone at the top glows and the ground beneath me starts to shake. As I rise from my hiding spot and notice some of the islanders below reacting to the quaking, I turn my attention towards the large tower on the southern end of the island as something rises up from the top of it.

'Oh youth, show the two whirling sails the way to the Light Tower… and before you a path shall open…'

I waste no time in making my way to the Light Tower, running so fast that I can hear the wind whistling in my ears. I dodge Greba and Goselle as I cross back over the bridge, too consumed by my own thoughts to greet them as I slip between their baskets of laundry. I can feel their eyes on me as I continue on, though they quickly return to their gossip and I forget all about them.

For being one of the highest structures in Skyloft, the Light Tower barely gets any visitors. Some of the knights use it on their patrols, but that's about it. Either way, I'm glad for its lack of visitors as I clamber up the two sets of ladders and emerge at the top. What once was an empty tower with a stone diving platform now has a gazebo-like stone structure with a gap in the top for the sun to filter in through as well as a beautiful mirror a few feet away from me.

Fi appears at my side and instructs me to bring out my harp, which I do and run my fingers along the strings with a flourish, eyes widening when the Skyloftian Crest appears beneath my feet in a burst of light. I know what I have to do next without asking and promptly start to pluck the notes of the Ballad of the Goddess.

What takes me by surprise is another voice starting to sing along just as I part my lips to do so.

"Oh youth, guided by the servant of the Goddess…"

I hesitate for a moment before carrying on, ignoring Fi's intent gaze as she continues singing along to the melody. Compared to her stoic complexion, her singing voice is surprisingly serene. A frown tugs at my lips when I consider how well she dances and sings, two things which must've come from her life before the Great War. And look at her now—a vast departure from what she was. She's just another casualty of my reign, isn't she?

As the wind carries her trailing note off into the distance, a brief silence fills the air before I feel a rumbling at my feet—the Light Tower's reacting to our song. I cry out in surprise when the platform we stand on starts to turn clockwise and the mirror slots into place at a perfect angle so it can absorb the sunlight. I watch in awe as the mirror glows and a beam of light shoots from it into the sky, silently soaring towards a large mound of clouds in the distance.

The instructors dubbed it "Thunderhead" after it appeared a few months ago. They went to investigate the strange occurrence, mainly because the sky spirit Levias was around that area when Thunderhead appeared, only to find it impenetrable and loud grumbles of thunder coming from within. They've warned us to keep far away from it, especially with more and more windstorms appearing close by because of its presence. Despite how ominous looking the cloud is, most of us quickly ignored it when no threats came from it.

And now, as I watch the beam of light pierce the dome of thick clouds and create what looks to be a tiny entrance, my heart sinks into my stomach as I realise where my path is taking me. But then I shake my head; I'm being silly. If I can survive dense forest, a volcano and a vast desert, then I can fly through a stormy cloud, right?

Beneath me, more islanders stop short in their daily activities and make their way to the edges of the island, gasping and pointing to the light and plumes of clouds coming out of Thunderhead from where the light has torn a hole in it. Some are awed whilst others are fearful, and the latter keep the children away from the sight as some rush towards the Knight Academy for help.

"Dominae, there is a high probability that this beam of light will lead us to clues as to the whereabouts of the three flames," Fi states from beside me. "I recommend that you investigate what lies at the end of this beam of light."

I nod, then turn to her with a small smile, "You have a wonderful singing voice, Fi."

She nods but says nothing in reply, likely unsure how to respond to my compliment, and returns to the Goddess Sword. Putting away my harp, I cast my gaze over to the diving platform a few paces away and steel myself for what's to come. Whatever's at the end of this beam of flight will take me, it'll get me one step closer to Link. Imagine what he'd say if he could see me now, I think to myself. He better not be having more fun without me. The thought makes me smile, if only for a second. I hope you're alright, wherever you are…

Shaking my head free of that sad train of thought, I take a flying leap off the diving platform and sharply whistle for Destiny. She catches me after a few moments of freefall and I stroke her neck as we soar into the open skies. She quickly realises that we're heading towards Thunderhead and caws with concern, but I offer her a firm pat and murmur words of reassurance; it's going to be a long journey for the both of us, that's for sure.

We follow the beam of light towards Thunderhead and I spot a gap in the clouds where the light has penetrated it, and I brace myself for impact. I grab onto Destiny's reins harder as we breach the dense cloud and pass straight through. We recoil from the force of it but endure and keep going.

The first thing I feel is sheets of cold rain slamming hard into us. Since I've only seen rain on the Surface, I can only assume that whatever caused Thunderhead to appear is linked to the Goddess's mission—no, my mission. The sun has been completely blocked out by the thick cloud, so everywhere that I can see looks dark and ominous, and I bring my arm up to shield my eyes from the onslaught of rain and high winds.

What makes things worse is that the darkness and rain is making things so hard to see that I can't spot anything in my line of sight until I only have a few seconds to dodge them. From small islands to floating rocks, I cry out a few times when we almost fly into them. I can feel my hands shaking as I hold onto my reins tightly, blinking the water away from my eyes as I try my best to focus on the beam of light that just about cuts through the darkness.

I can just about make out a few shadows floating around in the storm and I keep away from them as best as I can—the last thing I want is aerial combat. But their worm-like bodies fly towards me at a faster speed than I'm going at and I know I won't last long without fighting them. Praying that I won't drop my blade, I wrap the reins around my wrists and hold the Goddess Sword in both hands, swinging the holy blade as soon as they come into view.

I grunt when the green blood of one creature (what Fi calls a Skytail) splatters over my face, its body falling limply into the clouds below not long before a few others join it. My concentration is pushed to its limits as I focus on both guiding Destiny to move about in this unknown territory as well as fighting off these vile creatures. To my luck, my Loftwing soon begins helping with her beak where she can, but I soon come to a sudden realisation that sends chills into my core.

Loftwings are bestowed upon us by Hylia, however I have absolutely no idea whether their venom could harm or even kill her.

The Goddess wouldn't let that happen, right?

Still… I can't take that risk.

"I've got this, Destiny!" I pat my Loftwing's back softly and take out another Skytail, smiling a little when Destiny seems to understand my worry and returns her intent to flying instead of fighting too—bursting forward with a newly found speed.

With all of my mind focused on flying and fighting, I barely spot a large island appearing through the mist before it's almost right in front of me, and with it the end of the beam of light. Accomplishment floods into my system as I slash at one last horde of Skytails and quickly wipe my blade over my dress, sheathing it and untying my Sailcloth.

Just as we fly over the large isle, I leap off Destiny and raise the Sailcloth over my head as soon as the ground comes into my line of vision, landing somewhat comfortably against the stone in a deep crouch. Instead of waiting for me in the skies above, Destiny soon lands nearby on the island too.

The fog is a lot thinner down here, so I can see more of the island now. The stonework is very similar to that of the Light Tower and the courtyard beneath the Statue of the Goddess and brings about its own sense of nostalgia. Bronze fencing outlines the small island and guides my line of sight over to the large building ahead of me, the singular beam of light from the Light Tower leading to the top of the tower. The tower itself is covered in moss and only has a tiny entrance at the bottom; a small tunnel that I should be able to crawl through.

"Dominae, I have memories of this island," Fi's voice rings out from behind me. I spin around and gape at her. "It is known at the Isle of Songs. Signs indicate that this was left here for you by the Goddess."

"L-Left for me?" I parrot. "How is that possible?"

"I do not have enough information available at this time to answer your question, Dominae," she says simply before returning to the Goddess Sword in a flash of light. I turn back to the tower with a frown, confused at the spirit's words. Not only does Fi remember this place, but the Goddess left this island here for me—does that mean I left it for myself?

Goddess above, I don't need another headache.

With a small shake of my head, I make my way towards the tower and crawl inside. The tunnel itself is rather small and claustrophobic, but I can make my way through easily enough. Once I'm inside, I clamber back onto my feet and take in the interior of this incredible place.

The tower itself feels cavernous, with only one pathway leading to nothing in the centre of the chamber. I spot a crest similar to the ones in the Chamber of the Sword and springs on the Surface, so I quickly deduce what I'll need to do here. The walls of the tower are decorated with designs of the Goddess and the triangular design split into three. Once I reach the end of the walkway, I strike the crest with a Skyward Strike and let silence befall the chamber once more.

The crest spins around and visibly brightens just like the others, and a Statue of the Goddess rises from the floor as Fi floats up beside me, "When you struck the crest, a message from the Goddess awakened deep within my memory," she tells me. My lips part and I nod for her to continue. "The Goddess intended this message for you, Dominae. These are her words."

Fi glides over above the crest and raises her arms above her head, surrounding herself in a dazzling green light. "The one who seeks the Sacred Flames, listen well, for I guide you from my place at the edge of time with my sisters, Nayru and Din."

My eyes widen, "Farore…?"

The spirit doesn't reply, but merely continues on with the message, "The Sacred Flames are three in number. To obtain them, you must also earn relics known as the three sacred gifts. For each trial you overcome, you shall be blessed with one of the gifts. Make use of the power of these gifts, and you will find your way to the purifying Sacred Flames. Now, I bestow upon you a melody. It will serve you as a key, opening the first trial that awaits you deep in the wilds of Faron Woods."

I open my mouth to speak, but the light from around Fi fades and my vision blurs a little as I lose control of my movements. I take out my harp and pluck the strings without thought, a beautiful melody I've never heard before echoing around the chamber. The song is happy and joyful, and I can imagine the Kikwis loving it or even Hylia and the first Bearer when she asked him how to dance.

I snap back to the present at the sound of Fi's voice, "That song is called Farore's Courage. Its rousing melody will guide you." I nod slowly and a smile tugs at my lips as I turn my attention down to the harp in my arms. "You can now use your dowsing ability to search for the gate leading to the first trial you must face. I suggest you set out for Faron Woods as soon as you are ready."

I nod, "Thank you, Fi." I pause before asking, "Do you know what these trials are about?"

"These trials have been set by the Goddesses to test you so that you may claim proof of spiritual growth," she clarifies. "Each trial will reflect a different aspect of your spirit and, upon completion of these trials, you shall be awarded with a sacred gift as mentioned in the message from the Goddess."

It doesn't completely answer my question (if anything, it feels like she's purposely being vague) but I nod and say anyway, "Thank you, Fi."

"After the events of the past few days, Dominae, I can detect growing levels of fatigue and emotional instability," she tells me. "Although you are required to seek out the Sacred Flames, I advise you take—"

"I can't," I cut in before she can finish. She regards me with a blank expression. "I know it's been a lot in these past few days, but I don't have time to take a break. I won't work myself to the ground, but I can't afford to take days away from this mission. Goddess knows where Link is or what he's going through."

But Fi isn't fazed, "The Sheikah guardian is with him, Dominae; he is protected."

"I know, but he isn't where he should be," I insist. "He should be home and safe, not on the other side of the Gate of Time with no idea when he's coming home or where Ghirahim is. The sooner I do these trials and get the Sacred Flames, the sooner I can get him home."

She stares back at me for a few moments before realising that I won't back down, so she returns to the Goddess Sword without another word. It's not like Fi's wrong—I can feel tiredness eating away at me like an illness—but I can't let that stop me now. A lot has happened since I was last in Skyloft, but it pales in comparison to going through a magical portal in the desert and fighting the Demon King; I can't really complain.

I take one last glance at the crest and Statue of the Goddess as it lowers back down into the tower before turning away and heading back outside. The weight on my shoulders grows heavier by the minute, but I have to focus on what I can do right now rather than the end goal. Before I can think about activating the Gate of Time or even finding the Sacred Flames, I need to find the first trial that will get the ball rolling.

Let's get started…