Chapter Five: The Quest for the Stones

"Princess Zelda, I…ah hah."

Link jumped at the sound, while Zelda seemed surprised, but not unfazed. Rather, she even smiled. Turning, he saw the same woman from yesterday in the courtyard.

"Link," Zelda started, "I'd like you to meet Impa, my friend and caretaker. Impa, this is Link, he's my new friend, and-"

"The boy from your dream, perhaps?" Impa finished, smiling. Zelda nodded. The woman looked again upon the boy she had seen yesterday. He looked quite nervous; then again, she tended to have that effect on those who did not know her. Even so, there was a fire in his eyes. He had spirit, and it was far from weak. Even grown seasoned soldiers she had met would not hold up. Yes, he could very well be the one, she thought.

"Link, was it? A pleasure to meet you; a friend of the princess is a friend of mine. Especially since you fared so well against those Gerudo thieves last night. I thank you for that bit of bravery."

Link smiled a little from the compliment. Perhaps the woman wasn't as scary as he felt she was. "It wasn't much, really," He shrugged, bowing his head slightly. Zelda giggled at his embarrassment. Impa smiled. Strong in spirit and humble in his deeds: a noble child indeed.

"Princess, if I may, the other part of your dream…?"

Curious, Link glanced over to the princess, who nodded in understanding. "There was one other part of the dream I neglected to tell you Link," she explained.

"The princess heard a particular melody playing as you were introduced. This song is not unfamiliar to those of royal bloodline," Impa explained further. "She believes, as do I, that it is my duty to teach you this melody."

"What purpose does it have?" Navi suddenly spoke up, drawing all eyes to her. Again it was Impa who answered.

"This song is only known to those who are of the royal bloodline and those closely associated with them. Knowing this melody ensures your status as a friend who can be trusted. You would have access to individuals and places where commoners and even some nobles would be denied. Essentially, you are like royalty, or an extension of that."

"Is it ok to be teaching me that then?" Link asked, concerned. "I'm not any kind of royalty, wouldn't some people see it as disrespectful or…or…"

"Like some kind of sick joke?" Navi finished. Link nodded, agreeing with that wording. Impa nodded.

"It is possible, but it is a risk to take. If they do see it as that, they would need very good reason to think such. The song carries not just status, but something more. It is said that this melody has taken on properties of magic even. What these magical properties are, I do not know. I assume on your quest you may discover these, if you are willing."

"Magical songs, huh?" Navi mused aloud. "There is similar magic in the forest, which we fairies use from time to time. I never thought it could be applied to the other races."

"Really?" Link asked, gazing up at her as she hovered above him. She nodded.

"Similar, yes, but not the same. How this magic imbued such melodies is unknown, save by the goddesses. But the fact remains there is magic at work."

"Will you do it, Link?" Zelda asked him. "I think you'll like it; I do," she smiled. Impa nodded, smiling as well.

"I have played this melody to her ever since she was but a babe. It had no name, originally, or if it did, it was lost to the ages."

"So I gave it one," the princess finished, smiling proudly at her accomplishment. "Since it was my lullaby, why not call it that?"

"Zelda's Lullaby," Navi stated, pausing over her words. After a moment, she smiled. "It has a nice ring to it, don't you think, Link?"

Yeah, it's catchy," he replied, echoing her compliment. Zelda smiled all the more, happy her name had received positive reviews.

"Then it is decided; shall I teach you the melody?" Impa asked, smiling. Link nodded, pulling out his own ocarina and bringing it close to his lips.

"Then, this is how it goes." Bringing her hand to her lips, she began to whistle…

~0~

The final note died away to a whisper, the last remnants of the magic that could be felt vanished as the note ended, and Link brought the Ocarina down. After what must have been several attempts, He had finally gotten it right. And it did not go unnoticed. As he had played, all three of them could feel the very air stir, as if excited by the sound, and a profound sense of peace settled over the area. It only lasted for a few moments, but it was enough to prove there was indeed magic in those few notes.

"Remember it well, Link," Impa prompted, smiling. He nodded, tucking away the small instrument.

"I will."

"Good, because I'd be sad if you ended up forgetting it, and you won't learn it again," the princess sternly warned, before breaking into a smile herself. "I hope it helps you find those stones."

"So do I. I just need to find out where the other two are."

"That, I may assist you with," Impa interjected, stepping forward. "But I must unfortunately ask you to follow me; if the guards catch you, you would be in a world of trouble. I will guide you out personally, and set you on your way. Is there anything left you must speak of, princess?"

"Must he leave now?" She asked, her face downcast. Impa nodded.

"You know as well as I the rules. You have been rather lucky to have had so much time alone, and I would not be so quick to test the fates much more."

She sighed, knowing her mentor was right. Knowing her father, he would not be so kind to pardon even a child for stealing into the castle so far, and affiliating with royalty as an equal was, from a sociopolitical aspect, even more disgraceful.

"I understand. In that case…" She turned to Link, taking a moment to observe him once again. He stared at her, curious. "Good luck, Link. Remember, you promised we would do this together. And be safe, ok?" She stepped forward and embraced him, still not wanting him to leave, but knowing he had to. After a moment of hesitation, he returned the hug, for only a brief moment longer before the two parted.

"And Navi, you take care too, and make sure he stays safe." Zelda added, smiling up at her as she perched atop his cap. The fairy smiled, shrugging it off.

"That's a full-time job you're asking me to do, but I'm sure I can handle it no problem."

"And that's supposed to mean…?" Link queried, frowning as the two of them giggled. Impa smiled as she placed a hand on Links shoulder.

"Let's go, shall we?"

Link nodded, waving goodbye as he walked away from where the princess stood. "I'll be back in no time, you'll see. Take care!" Then he disappeared around the corner with her caretaker Impa. She smiled, turning back to the steps. She would be more than happy to wait for his return.

~0~

"There: that's where you are headed."

The two were standing outside of Hyrule's Castle Town, off the path so as not to interfere with travelers. The two were receiving many strange glances and wide-eyed stares, but neither seemed to notice. The couple instead was facing towards the east, where one could perceive a very large, solitary mountain, whose peak was flat and bore a ring of smoke surrounding it.

"That, Link, is Death Mountain. A rather dreary name, but nevertheless that is its name. You may have seen it while traveling here." Link nodded, remembering seeing it while sight-seeing the countryside. Even from when he had left the forest, it was relatively easy to spot. He could only imagine just how large it actually was.

"A Tribe and race of people known as Gorons live on that mountain. Their leader and sworn brother to the king of Hyrule, Darunia, has one of the stones you seek out; the Spiritual Stone of Fire. It won't be easy, but you must reach their home and speak to Darunia. I cannot tell you what may happen then.

"At the foot of the mountain you will find Kakariko Village. I suggest you rest there before continuing."

"Definitely. I won't be travelling at night again anytime soon," Link grimly replied, remembering what happened last time. Impa nodded.

"A wise decision. These nights of late hold many dangers. Now then, you know what has to be done?"

"Get to Kakariko, find the Gorons, talk to their leader, and get the second stone," Link recited out loud. "What about after that?" Impa shook her head.

"That I do not know. But I'm sure you can find that out. Remember Link, we are counting on you to help protect Hyrule."

"I know," Link replied, stepping forward. "I won't let you down, I promise!" he called back, waving as he took off at a steady jog, Navi trailing behind. Impa watched him for a few minutes more, then, apparently satisfied, turned back to the castle. She had her own duty, after all; to protect the princess was becoming more of a priority than ever before. Something big was happening; she could feel it in all her senses honed by long years of Shiekah training. And if she had a part to play in it, she would be ready for it.