Chapter 11: Whirling Sails
Headmaster Gaepora had been in the middle of browsing his collection of books in his office when he heard a knock echoing through the other side of the door.
"It's open!" The doors of his office open as Link & Karane entered in. "Ah, Link! Karane! You're back! Good to see you're still in one piece. As well as Pipit & Fledge I hope."
"They are. They're just waiting outside," Link noted.
"That's good to hear. So how's it going down there for you all? Are you any closer to finding my Zelda?"
Link rubbed his neck nervously. "Well…about that…"
Both the green-clad knights explained everything that they knew about so far in the easiest way possible to the Headmaster. Despite the complicated details Gaepora seem to gasp what was going on with his daughter.
"Hmm…I see…My dear Zelda. Things must be terribly trying for her down there," Gaepora spoken gloomly. "And it can't be easy for you four now either, can it? I wish there was something I can do to help all of you."
"Actually there is. We want to know the full lyrics to The Ballad of the Goddess," Karane requested.
"You want to know the full lyrics to the song?" Gaepora raised his brow. "You know, I'm not much of a singer…"
"Just the lyrics!" Link responded rather quickly.
"You just want the lyrics?" Both students nod. "Oh! What a relief. You really put me on the spot there for a moment. I believe the lyrics go like this."
"Oh youth, guided by the servant of the goddess. Unite earth and sky and bring light to the land..."
"That is the first part, but as I recall, there's a second verse to the song."
"Oh youth, show the two whirling sails the way to the Light Tower…and before you, a path shall open, and a heavenly song you shall hear."
"That's the whole thing?" Link clarified.
"I believe so. The Light Tower mentioned in the song is a real place. It's the one in the plaza. I don't know a thing about two whirling sails, though…It sounds like the song is suggesting that if one shows these whirling sails the way to the tower, something will happen? But how do you go about doing that, and what does it mean? Two whirling sails. Hmm…"
"We'll figure it…somehow."
"Good luck. Also…if you do see Zelda, please give my warmest regards."
"We will," Karane promised the headmaster.
While Link & Karane were busy with the Headmaster, Pipit & Fledge decided to pass the time by sparring in the yard outside the Sparring Hall. The yellow-clad senior knight made a move that knocked Fledge on the ground.
"Darn it…" Fledge uttered.
"You did well." Pipit helped Fledge back to his feet once he sheathed his sword. "I think you've gotten better since last time. You lasted longer than usual."
"Really? Wow. That's something I never kept track of."
"Having high stamina can be helpful in a battle."
"Just add that to the other things I don't have…"
"You just need time and experience."
"That's what I've been told for a long time yet I'm still not strong enough."
"You'll get strong. I know you will. You've made some good progress since we started this quest. In a way, I think it may turn out good for you."
"There you are! I have a bone to pick with you!" The pair turned to see Cawlin strolled his way over towards them.
"What do you want, Cawlin?" Pipit gave the boy an annoyed look.
"I'm not here for you. Its pipsqueak I want to see."
"Me?" Fledge gazed at him perplexedly. "What…do you want to talk about?"
"How come you get to wear a knight's uniform already?"
"Knight Commander Eagus and the Headmaster thought it would be better for me to wear it while I help look for Zelda. Does that answer your question?"
"That's it? You're wearing it just because you're helping look for Zelda. If that's the case, how come Groose didn't get one? He left earlier to find her himself. He's such a great guy. Greater than you two, and especially Link."
"Did you just come over here to only insult us?" Pipit asked sarcastically.
"You shut it! I'm still pissed at you for what happened at The Lumpy Pumpkin! Thanks to you and Link, I'm stuck working there until I paid off that chandelier. Do you know how much that thing cost? It's gonna take me forever! Not to mention, my knight training has been suspended until then."
"You have only yourself to blame since you started the fight by headbutting Link into the railing. You're lucky your stunt didn't get anyone hurt, otherwise, you would be facing harsher consequences."
"Well, next time don't call me short!"
Fledge let out a frustrated groan. He was not in the mood to deal with Cawlin right now. What he's going to say next he's probably going to regret later but since he already mouthed Groose off, he figure he had nothing else to lose.
"Would you please buzz off, Cawlin?"
Cawlin gazed at the orange student in bafflement. Clearly, he did not expect such a reaction. "What did you just say?"
"I said 'please buzz off.' Do you want me to repeat it? I'll be nice enough to do that."
"Oh, look at that! Pipsqueak wears a uniform and now all of sudden he's all Mr. High and Mighty."
"We've had a…long day so we're not in the mood to talk to you right now."
"Well then...Let's see if is this attitude of your sticks once I tell Groose-"
"Cawlin…" A firm voice interrupted the short student. Cawlin turns around to see Eagus, arms crossed with a stern expression, Cawlin's smug smrik instantly shrank as he studdered when he spoke to Eagus.
"O-oh! H-hey Knight Commander Eagus…"
"I certainly hope you're not skipping out your punishment at The Lumpy Pumpkin so you can harass these two."
"O-of course not! I was…complimenting their sparring skills. I was just about to leave now!"
"Then I suggest you hurry. The dinner rush should be starting soon. And I'm sure Pumm would not like it if you're late."
Cawlin immediately ran out of the yard.
"He wasn't giving you two too much trouble, was he?" Eagus spoke to the two students once Cawlin was gone.
"Just his usual heckling. Nothing we couldn't handle," Pipit assured him. "Thank you for getting him off our backs."
"Happy to help. Besides, you both look like you didn't want to deal with him."
"You have no idea…" Fledge muttered.
"Anyways, Fledge, do you mind if you and I speak alone for a bit?"
"Sure. Uh, Pipit."
"I'll be at the front of the academy. I'll see you in a bit." Pipit walked away from the yard, leaving Fledge with Eagus.
"What do you want to talk about, Eagus?"
"Is it true that you took out an Aeralfos?"
"You...you heard about that?"
"It's the talk of the town. An Aeralfos showing up this time of the year is bound to be a hot topic. Even more so is that you supposedly defeated it."
"It's true. I was only protecting Orielle."
"Wow! That's…amazing!" Eagus expressed the revelation with pride. "You took one down all by yourself."
"It was only a juvenile. Not like it was one of those big ones the other knights usually deal with."
"But they're just as dangerous, even more so due to their lack of experience. An Aeralfos becomes deadly the moment they can fly on their own. Even the best knights don't often escape encounters with them unscathed. The fact that you manage to defeat without a scratch is even more impressive. You should be proud, Fledge!"
"I didn't get out totally unscathed." Fledge glanced at the small newly sewn line on his uniform. "I think the only reason I took that thing down is just because the Goddess decided to pity me or something."
"Fledge, you've got to stop looking down on yourself. You need to stop dwelling on what you didn't accomplish and instead focus on what you can do. I've known you since you were a boy. You're stronger than you let yourself on, and I mean it."
Before Fledge could even respond, he heard the sound of his name being called.
"I have to go help my friends. Good seeing you again, Eagus."
The Knight Commander stood quiet as he saw the student join up with his friends.
"Fledge, you're more capable than you realize. I hope one day you'll see that."
Fledge walked back to the front of the academy. He saw Pipit once again along with Link and Karane.
"There you are." Link spoke to the student. "Where were you at?"
"Eagus just wanted to ask about the Aeralfos," Fledge answered. "Did you find a clue?"
"All we got is that the tower in the plaza can show us the way but we need to find two whirling sails to activate it. Do any of you have any idea what they could be?"
The rest of the group remained quiet for several minutes. Pipit especially was deep in thought.
"You know, there is that large windmill on the path leading to the academy. There's also another in the residential area. Maybe they could be it."
The quartet made their way to the windmill leading to the academy. They noticed a smaller fan on the bottom of it. The same kind they saw back at Lanayru Mining Facility. Link pulled out the Gust Bellows and used it to blow air on the fan. Once it started spinning, the large windmill slowly turned until the blades faced the tower in the plaza.
"Looks like you were right, Pipit. Nice one," Karane complimented.
"Next stop, the residential area," Link announced.
The group transverse to the residential area on Skyloft. The second windmill resided on a hill that oversaw the houses. When they got there they were shocked to see that there was no fan on this particular windmill.
"There's no fan on this. That's not good," Link said.
"Maybe we can try moving it ourselves?" Fledge suggested.
They gathered around the windmill. The group spent the next several minutes trying to move the large windmill but it would not budge at all. The students gave up after several minutes.
"Great…Now what are we going to do?" Karane wondered.
"Hey! What's up you guys?" Jakamar walked up towards the group. "Curious about that windmill, eh?"
"Something like that," Link simply stated.
"Pretty smart design, I gotta say. See, you can turn the windmill so that it can always catch the wind no matter which way it's blowing. But…" The older man gave a frown. "Well, there used to be this little propeller attached to the windmill so that you could turn it. The thing flew off ages ago. It must have dropped down off the edge, down beneath the clouds. The windmill's been uselessly sitting there ever since."
"Masters, I highly suggest you retrieve the windmill propeller from the land below to reorient the windmill," Fi advised the group.
"If we were able to find the propeller, could you fix it?" Pipit asked the man.
"If I had it, I could probably rig something together to get it back on there, sure…The problem is how would you even go looking for the propeller in the first place? Once something falls through the clouds, it's gone for good." Jakamar paused. "...Hang on. Come to think of it, Gondo at the Scrap Shop told me that someone in his family once used a flying robot to haul junk back from beneath the clouds."
"A robot?" Link gave a curious look.
"Yeah. But we're talking about a tale that's been passed down over a lot of years, so I wouldn't put much stock in it. Dredging things up from some mystical 'world beneath the clouds' that doesn't even exist? Sounds like a lot of hot air. Gondo actually bought into the whole thing, though. That's why he's always tinkering with that busted old robot."
Jakamar walked away, leaving the group to themselves.
"A robot…Do you think it's possible?" Fledge wondered.
"If you were to ask me a few days ago I would've laughed that off," Karane commented.
The quartet quickly made their way to visit Gondo at the Scrap Shop in the Bazaar.
"Hey, kids!" The man greeted warmly. "You look like you need to get something off your chest. I think I know what it is. You've got a favor to ask me, right?"
"Yes. We were told that you had a robot that you're working on," Link explained.
"Huh? It's about this old robot my grandpa used to tinker around with? Oh, I see. You kids probably just came here to make fun of the crazy junk guy for believing in his grandpa's stupid stories, right? Well, get in line. I've heard it before."
"That's why we're not here…" Karane gently assured. "This may sound a bit crazy but we need to pick up something from below the clouds with it."
"Really? You actually believe my grandpa's stories?" Each of the teen's nodded eagerly. "Well, I'm happy to hear that someone else believes me, but I don't think I can help you…"
"Why is that?" Pipit inquired.
"You see, my grandpa's old robot, what's it called again…. Oh, hey, that's right. I remember!" Gondo pointed over to the rusty familiar robot. "His name is Scrapper. He may not be much to look at these days, but he was an amazing robot once! When you called him, he would go anywhere and haul anything! Sadly, as you can see now, he's just another busted ol' hunk of junk."
"Is there any way you could fix him?" Link asked.
"Actually, yeah. Old Gramps did tell me this: you can get him working again with an extract from an Ancient Flower. It's like oil to this guy. But I've never even heard of, much less seen, any such thing!"
Fledge suddenly remembered the flower that he found in Lanayru. He recalls the flower having an oily substance, and Orielle's comment on how she had never seen a flower like that before. He thanked himself that he picked multiple ones that he found. The student stepped forward as he reached into his pouch.
"Is it something like this?" Fledge held out the flower. Gondo gaped at the plant.
"WHAT?! You have one?! Are you kiddin' me?!" Fledge simply gave Gondo the flower. "That's amazing! So this is an Ancient Flower?! I can feel some slick, oily stuff coming out of its stem! Great, with this we can fix Scrapper! You guys just wait here! I'll have him up and running and no time!"
Gondo went to the back of his shop, taking the flower and the rusted robot with him.
"Nice one Fledge. You probably saved us a lot of trouble," Link praised.
"Ah, shucks…it was nothing," Fledge blushed. "I guess my habit of collecting weird stuff finally paid off."
Gondo returned several moments later. He placed the now repaired robot, showing it to be the same type found in Lanayru.
"Phew…There you go!" Gondo stretched his arms.
The robot, Scrapper, started twitching before a large propeller appear above its head. It then flew around for the next several minutes.
"Thank you, BZZRT! I've got a full tank of energy, and I'm ready to carry anything, zrrt!" Scrapper gazed upon the four students. "Huh? Who are these strangled colored clad individuals of small statures?"
"WHOA! It talked! Can you believe that? I guess I really did fix him!" Gondo cheered, clearly excited. "These kids gave me the materials I needed to fix you. Go on! Say Thank you."
"Oh? Let me see for myself." Scrapper looked at Link, Karane, Pipit, and then Fledge. "Short pants. Pigtails. Something that reminds me of a condiment…And large dimples...Are you sure it was them?"
"I most certainly am."
"...Well then, I extend my reluctant thanks to you in a gesture of obligatory gratitude."
"Oh, great, this one is rude too," Pipit mumbled with annoyance.
"Hey, now! That's no way to talk to someone who just saved your life!" Gondo scolded the robot. "Anyway, these kids want you to haul some stuff around, you're going to help them!"
"These individuals may have restored my corporations, but I am not inclined to offer assistance, zrrt. Servicing children is very low in my task priority."
At that moment, Fi chooses to appear before the group.
"Masters…Materials from the windmills have yielded a signal that you may search for with the dowsing ability. You can use it to locate the fallen propeller. However, it will not be possible to carry the item in your pouch and return it to the sky."
Scrapper gave an interesting look at the sword spirit.
"Who are you?! ZRRPT-FOOSH!"
"I am Fi," The spirit answered the robot.
"Your name is…Fi? Dzzt! Should I call you Mistress Fi? Are you looking for something, Mistress Fi?" The robot spoke rather excitedly.
"Indeed. We need to retrieve an item that only you can carry."
"I…I understand, vrrt! At your request, I will carry anything, regardless of weight or destination…Whizzt!"
Fi started at the robot, with an unsure expression before turning back to the group of students.
"Masters, we now have the means to bring the propeller back to Skyloft. You may immediately begin your search for the Windmill Propeller." Fi went back into the sword.
"Master Shortpants! Master Pigtails! Master Condiment! And Master Dimples! I offer assistance! I can now detect Mistress Fi's thought waves, VRRT! Should you need me, ask Mistress Fi to call me, and I will arrive with haste, bzzat!."
Gondo, who was unfazed by the entire interaction, turned to the students.
"So how do you plan to recover all the stuff that fell beneath the clouds? You could ask the fortune teller over there."
"That won't be necessary. Thank you, though." Link led the group outside of the Bazaar. "Okay, now that we got that taken care of our next step is to find that propeller. You said you have it as your dowsing targets, Fi?"
"Correct, Master."
Link pulled out his sword and activated dowsing. After moving the blade around he found the blade having a strong reaction in the direction of the Eldin province.
"Looks like the propeller is in Eldin. With how big that place is it may take a while to find it…"
"Propeller…Eldin. Oh, of course! I almost forgot," Fledge suddenly blurted out.
"Forget what?"
"I remember when we were looking for the keys for the Earth Temple I saw something that looked like a propeller not far from the entrance. That could be our lost propeller."
"Then lets you and I go over there to check it out. Pipit, Karane, you both meet us back at the other windmill. We'll try to be quick."
Both Link & Fledge went to the nearest dock to jump off to their Loftwings. Their birds flew very fast towards the red light column.
"Crap! I forgot!"
"Forgot what, Link?
"We might be there for a while."
"Why? We know where to look."
"Yeah, but it took us a while just to walk to the top of the mountain."
Fi appeared in front of the pair. "That will not be necessary, Master Link. At your request, I can easily transport you to any spot that we previously visited in each area. Just tell me where you like to land and I will guide you there."
"In that case, the entrance of the Earth Temple," Link instructed.
"Understood, Master. I will transport you when you and Master Fledge jump."
They flew close enough to the light pillar to jump off. Fi exited the sword and flew around a pair engulfing their view with a white flash. Moments later they landed in front of the temple entrance."
"Wow! She really did it. I have to say Fi is pretty amazing!" Fledge complimented.
"I appreciate the compliment, Master Fledge, but lets not lose focus on the task at hand."
Link used the dowsing feature to look for the propeller. The tip gave a rapid glow.
"This is where you saw the propeller?"
"Yeah just around there. It's below a hill."
They strolled in the direction of where the propeller was. They traveled to the hill Fledge mentioned and sure enough, there lies a familiar propeller.
"This is the Wind Propeller you were searching for," Fi confirmed. "It is now possible to retrieve this using the robot whose services we have enlisted. Would you like me to call the robot?"
"Yes," Link answered.
"I will send word to the robot using telepathic transmission, Master."
Fi brought her gaze to the sky above. Minutes later, Scraper flew down to the group.
"Mistress Fi! I hope you weren't waiting long, bzzzt! So, zrrrbt, you want me to carry this?!" Fi nodded her head. Scrapper moved in the direction of the propeller. "Hey! Master Shortpants and Master Dimples! You're in my way here, zrrpt!
"I'm sorry what?" Link uttered.
"I said, get out of the way, vrrrrrt!"
"Okay, sorry!" Fledge moved out of the way, along with Link who had a rather annoyed look.
"I'll be waiting for you up in the sky, so don't take too long, vrrrt!" With the propeller in its hands, Scrapper flew back into the sky.
"Masters, I suggest that we also return to the sky and collect the propeller as soon as possible." Fi went back to the sword.
"What is with those robots and their rude attitudes?"
"I wish I knew, Fledge. I wish I knew…"
"You kids are still hanging around here?" Jakamar walked over to Pipit & Karane hanging near the Windmill.
"Link & Fledge found a way to get the propeller. We're waiting for them," Karane said to him.
"Really now? Any idea when they will be back?"
The sounds of a Loftwing screech filled the air.
"I have to guess that's them," Pipit concluded.
Link & Fledge landed on the ground just near Jakamar.
"Hello again, Link, Fledge. These two right here were telling me you were looking for the propeller. You both manage to find it?
"Why not you ask him?"
Link pointed to the sky. Scrapper floated down from above several moments later.
"Here's that windmill propeller, zzzazt!" Scrapper drops it on the ground. "If you need me…zzrboosh-CLANG…feel free to call! For Mistress Fi, I will travel to any destination, ker-dizzzt!"
"Whoa! Isn't that…the beat-up old robot from Gondo's place?!" Jakamar stated with astonishment as he watched the robot fly away. "Wait just a second…Is that...It is! That's the windmill propeller! That thing was supposed to have fallen down below the clouds! Are you saying that the whole story handed down through Gondo's family was actually true?"
"Seems like it," Link simply answered with a smile.
"Hmm…Somehow I get the feeling that this is all some elaborate prank, but I guess I'll try to fix this thing…"
Jakamar carried the propeller to the base of the windmill. He spends the next several minutes tinkering around.
"This goes in here...And I just crank that a few clicks…" Jakamar hit the propeller with his hammer to secure it. "Phew! That ought to do it! If you can find some way to spin the propeller, you can probably turn the windmill around."
"Well we already figured that out," Fledge muttered under his breath.
"Honeeeeey! Honeeey?" Wryna's voice shouted from a distance which cause Jakamar to jump.
"Oh no! I think I might've promised my wife I'd fix our cupboard! I swear that woman's always looking for somebody."
"Thank you again for your help," Link said to him.
"Not a problem. I'll see you around." Jakamar left the group.
"Now it's time for the moment of truth."
Link pulled out the Gust Bellows and used it to blow on the propeller. Like the previous windmill, this one turned until it faced the tower. The quartet watch as a platform emerges from within the tower. They all climb to the top of the tower where they same the same circle pattern is seen at the Sealed Temple, along with a large mirror with the Goddess Symbol on it.
"I never thought there was something like this hidden here," Karane commented as she and the others looked around. "Makes me wonder if there are any other secrets hidden away on this island."
"Master, Link. I believe you must bring out the harp and play it," Fi's voice echoed out.
"Oh right! You guys should stand back."
Link's three friends move to the edge of the platform. Link pulled out the harp and strummed it. Another symbol of the goddess appeared in the center. Fi floated to the other side of Link. Much like at the Sealed Temple a pulse of light emulated the circle. Link played the harp in sync with the light. Once he was perfectly synced up, Fi started singing a vocalized version of The Ballad of the Goddess. When they had finished the platform shifted with the mirror pointing in the direction of the thunderhead. Sunlight from above shined through the mirror. A long green stray of light emerge from the mirror and went straight towards the Thunderhead.
"Masters, there is a high probability that this beam of light will lead us to the clues as to their whereabouts of the three flames. I recommend that you investigate what lies at the end of this beam of light."
"Show the two whirling sails the way to the Light Tower…and before you, a path shall open…" Link muttered to himself. "That makes so much sense now!"
"We better get going while there's still daylight," Pipit suggested.
"But… it's leading towards the thunderhead. No one in Skyloft's history has ever been in there," Fledge pointed out.
"Guess we're about to be the first. Last one there is a rotten Loftwing egg!" Link jumped off the platform using his sailcloth to float down.
"If anyone's the rotten egg it's not gonna be me!" Karane slid down on the ladder.
"Not if I beat you guys, first!" Pipit leaped off the platform.
"What-Hey, wait for me!" Fledge quickly followed.
All four flew on their Loftwings towards the Thunderhead. This strange place has been there long before any of them were even born. Nobody knows where that came from or why it was formed, to begin with. No one in Skyloft has even entered into the strange cloud formation. At least until today, that is.
"Hey, Karane! You wouldn't happen to know anything about the Thunderhead, do you?" Link called out to the redhead as they flew.
"From what Owlan told me, the inside is said to contain secrets, and that no human has managed to break through those clouds. The only one able to is the Great Sky Spirit, Levias."
"Levias? You mean that giant whale that flies by Skyloft every now and then?" Pipit called back.
"Yes, that Levias."
"I remember him. Seeing him every time is always breathtaking. I wonder what happened to him," Fledge said.
"We'll worry about that later. We're about to fly in," Link told everyone.
A gap created by the light path had allowed the group and their Loftwings to fly through. The inside of the thunderhead was the complete opposite to the weather outside. It was dark and pelting with rain. The light from the Light Tower pointed them towards a small structure.
"Didn't think there would be so much rain here!" Pipit shouted.
"We are in a place called a Thunderhead after all," Link quipped
"Guys, we should probably keep it down." Karane pointed to the side where they saw a small group of Skytails flying around.
"Looks like we finally figured out where Skytails like to hang out…'' Fledge commented nervously.
"They'll only attack unless we bother them," Link informed. "Let's just keep on flying."
The quartet kept on flying towards the structure that the light beam was directing them to. A small tower resided there connected to a large round platform. The group landed their birds on the platform, which is littered with small strange statues.
"Masters, I have memories of this island," Fi informed the group. "It is known as the Isle of Songs. Signs indicate that it was left here for you by the goddess, Master Link. I suggest we make our way inside the building."
The quartet followed Fi's suggestion and entered the building. The inside was dim and much larger than what the outside perceived it to be.
"This place is a lot bigger than it does on the outside," Link commented.
"Who would've thought something like this would be hidden here," Fledge added as he looked around.
"This sky is just crawling with a whole bunch of secrets," Karane remarked.
At the end of the pathway lay a familiar black crest of the goddess. Activating a Skyward Strike, Link shot a beam at the crest turning it purple. A large ray of light appears from above. A small statue resembling the Goddess Statue, with the symbol of Farore on its chest, emerges from below let out a beautiful melody. Link looked astonished by it, Karane and Fledge started with wonder at the sight before them. Pipit on the other hand just looked…entranced by the music. Fi floated near the front of the statue, a ray of light appearing over her as well.
"Master Link, I have important information. When you struck the crest with a Skyward Strike from your sword, a message from the goddess awakened deep within my memory. The goddess intended this message for you, Master. These are her words."
"He who seeks the sacred flames, listen well, for I guide from my place at the edge of time. 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 unto you a melody. It will serve you as a key, opening the first trial that awaits you deep in the wilds of Faron Woods."
Link pulled out the harp readying himself. Fi put herself in an elegant pose. Music them echoed through the room. Link started playing to the rhythm of the music as Fi started flying around the room, dancing along the wall and then upside down. A green mist emitted from her as she sang.
"Deep in the woods there's a flame.
Green as the leaves you will claim.
March to the beat…
Of the courage in your heart."
As Link continues playing, Fi flew to the highest point of the room. The area around Link changed to having him stand in the middle of the sky. There he saw two Loftwings flying around him. One that resembled Epona, and a grass-green Loftwing that almost reminded him of Pipit's bird, Shiro. He continues playing as he heard Fi's voice in the background.
"Deep in the woods there's a flame.
Green as the leaves you will claim.
March to the beat…
Of the courage in your heart."
The sky faded back to normal. Link stared at the harp, impressed that he was able to play so well. He could hear the sounds of his friends clapping.
"That song is called Farore's Courage. Its rousing melody will guide you." Fi informed Link. "Master, you must overcome the trials set before you and obtain the three gifts to reach the sacred flames. I have committed Farore's Courage to memory. Now you can use your dowsing ability to search for the gate leading to the first trails you must face. I suggest you set out for Faron Woods as soon as you are ready."
"I have to say Link. For someone who learn how to play the harp earlier today, you're pretty good with it. I'm a little jealous. It took me days just to learn how to play it properly," Karane complimented him once Fi was gone.
"It wasn't that extraordinary…"
"I think you played wonderfully. And Fi has such a beautiful singing voice. Don't you agree, Pipit?" Fledge turned his head to his yellow-clad classmate. His eyes appeared as if they were deep into thought. "Uh…Pipit?"
"Hey, Pipit, are you still with us?" Link's voice seemed to snap the boy out of his trance.
"What? Oh yeah. It was great!"
"You looked as if your head was elsewhere. Is everything okay?" Karane gave a concerned look
"I guess I'm just a bit tired. What with traversing a desert and an ancient mine, a giant scorpion trying to kill us, Groose's nonsense, Fledge yelling at him, and The Imprisoned, I am pretty beat,"
"Dear Din, did all that really happen today?" Fledge rubbed his head. "I guess you were right about getting used to busy days, Link."
"We should probably head home to rest. Who knows what we'll come across tomorrow," Link suggested.
"Knowing our luck, pretty much anything," Karane commented dryly.
As the group made their way back outside Pipit was left to his thoughts about what just occurred. He couldn't explain but it's as if the music from the statute was…bewitching him. Something about that music and the song Fi sang resonated with him.
"What was it about that music that struck me? I mean it was nice but…why was I so entranced by it?" Pipit let out a breath as he rubbed his head. "Maybe I'm just tired. It's been a pretty long day. It's most likely nothing."
Unknown Location…
Three figures stood in the middle of a dark room made of stone. The figures were covered in cloaks with hoods, yet it was clear enough to see that they were women. Their hoods covered their faces, only exposing their lips, each of which had their own color: green, blue, and red. In the middle of the table was a large glowing orb. In that orb, they all saw the image of Link and his companions leaving the Isle of Songs. Unknown to them, they had been keeping a close eye on Link since the start of his journey. Their interest increased once Link gained his three companions. The one with red lips gave a smile filled with pride.
"I have to say…I'm impressed that those three manage to stick around this long. I was sure they would back out once our scaly friend made his appearance but I was wrong. It seems dear Hylia was right."
"That remains to be seen, dear sister." The one with blue lips moves a lock of hair of a matching color away from her face. "This was not in Hylia's final plan. If those three intend to stick by her chosen hero's side they need to be able to share the burden that he carries."
"That's why we made that promise to Hylia before she departed. Don't tell me you've forgotten," The one with green lips spoke.
"Of course I haven't. How could I forget such a promise?" Blue-lips gaze on the ground.
"My visions are not clear but if my suspicions are right, I believe my chosen hero may be accompanied by three individuals. On the chance that this vision comes to fruition, I want you three to promise me this before I depart. Each of you will test the one closest to your virtue to see if they're capable of assisting my chosen hero."
"Those are the words she spoke to us."
"I never thought this would actually happen," Red-lips spoke.
"I think it's true. I mean, that boy seemed so enchanted by my song. That's got to be proof that Hylia's visions are true," Green-lips stated excitedly.
"You know what you have to do?" Blue-lips questioned.
"Of course, sis! When Link goes to the first trial tomorrow, that's when I'll test his friend."
"Seems like things are going to get more interesting from this point…This should be fun." Red-lips gave a playful smile.
Lyrics for Farore's Courage belong to the Youtube Channel "Zelda Universe." I take no credit for it. On another note, go check them out. They make great content.
The gang meet Scrapper, and discover the Isle of Songs and found a clue to finding the first sacred flame!
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