New Horizons - A Skyward Sword Aftermath Story

22 - Death Mountain

The tunnel travelled through the earth so far that not a single spec of light could reach its end. As well as the echoes of the pair's hesitant footsteps, an eerie, low, rumbling sound filled their ears, sourced by the tonnes of molten rock that was oozing down the mountainside above them. The ground trembled beneath their feet ominously. The volcano was particularly active today. However, it was also often very unpredictable. There was no use in turning back now. As they walked, Zelda would brush her fingers delicately against Link's; it reassured her that he was still there. The boy took her hand into his and gave it a gentle squeeze, which eased her claustrophobia. He gave her a reassuring smile, even if she wasn't able to see it in the darkness.

The two started to have their doubts as the continued to walk into nothingness. That was, until finally, the faintest orange glow could be seen in the distance. Upon nearing its source, they could see a vast, carefully-carved archway; ignited wooden torches on either side of it. 

On the other side of the archway was a room far more enormous than they could've ever imagined. A large pathway decorated with an array of rocks and colourful, glistening ores spiralled all the way through the multiple levels of the room, and right up to the ceiling. The large number of torches that sat on the walls and pillars all around illuminated the spacious room with a warm, friendly amber glow.

At the end of the long, spiraling path laid out a small room, right at the very top, it's exterior walls decorated with engraved designs and vibrant gemstones.  A recurring theme amongst the pattern work was the signature Goron logo: the diamond shaped symbol, with three smaller triangles branched off of it at the top. It was identical to the birth marks some Gorons had, typically on their arms. There was no doubt that they were in the right place, and, judging by how the rest of the huge domain was silent, it was safe to assume that they would have to hike their way up to the top room. 

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In the small room above, there sat the archeologists Gorko and Golo, and Gortram, who had previously resided in the quarry of the Lanayru Sea. Alongside the three, was another 4 gorons, all with their own unique, wacky beards and hairstyles just like them. They all sat in a circle around a vast stone table, tucking into warm, crunchy yet gooey rock roasts, served with bowls of pebble side dishes. 

The quiet sounds of Link and Zelda's footsteps echoed throughout the silent space, and quickly reached the ears of Gorko. He suddenly paused mid-bite. 

"Hey, did you hear that?" Gorko asked the others. Turning to face the room's entrance, the group spotted the pair slowly appear before him. The main Goron looked at them with raised eyebrows, pleasantly surprised by their visit. Without another moment passing, he got up from his seat and rushed over to greet them. 
"Hey, Link! It's so great to see ya again!" 

He took the small boy by surprise when he grabbed his hand, and gave it a firm handshake. However, a human's strength is unmatched to a Goron's, resulting in the gesture accidentally resulting in Link stumbling to the floor. 
"Ah!" 
The large creature scratched the back of his head and chuckled awkwardly. 
"Sorry about that." 
The hero got to his feet and brushed the dust off his knees, giving him a small smile. 
"It's okay. It's great to see you too, Gorko." 

Gorko's small eyes shifted over to Zelda. 
"And you must be..." 
"Zelda." Spoke the girl, her eyes shining and a wide smile on her lips. 
"Well, it's nice to finally meet ya! You were in a big rush last time we crossed paths, barely got the chance to talk to ya!" 

After glancing back at his new family, the Goron gestured for the two to come in. 
"Come! Sit!" Golo cheerily spoke. There was only one other empty stool at the round table, but considering the creatures' vast size, they could easily fit two humans on one chair. The pair sat alongside each other. One of the new Gorons held out a bowl of pebbles, sizzling and smoking from the immense heat. 
 "Feel free to help ya'self!" He spoke in a raspy, high-pitched voice. 
The pair blinked at the creature, and exchanged confused stares between themselves. 
"N-no, no, that's okay!" Zelda nervously laughed, trying to conceal her repulsed expression.
"We already ate before we came here. Thank you!"