The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Mini Dungeon 7 - The Lost Woods

...over the barrier into the corrupted forest. A fog crept in immediately, like it sensed their entry, and Link was reminded of the marsh he had waded through with Mirum and Dominus. Granted, he wasn't as far away from there as he had previously thought, now that he was reorienting his world with his recent travels. It was easy to believe that some of that darkness had come from here as well. But he didn't think that was true.

Wudhi waddled forward beside Link. He seemed to be keeping his breath sucked in. Link wondered if this had anything to do with the Deku Scrub's ability to launch nuts from their mouths. Tensions still high from the fight with Mismawn, Link didn't think it was the time to ask as their party moved on.

Journey took point, her nose facing towards the crowns of the trees. Yore rode on her back. The hawk refused to leave his perch. Link didn't blame him. The air here was depressing and heavy. He wouldn't want to fly in this air either.

Before long, the path behind them had vanished. Link was glad Epona was safe within the Valley of the Forest. He knew the mare would loathe this confined space. He hated it already. Where the Spirit Well had unnerved him due to an abundance of space, this place was unnerving because there wasn't any. There was no room anywhere off the path. There was almost no room to breathe.

Kephe was shaking violently, but struggling not to run as he followed along. Mismawn was hardly any better, and if it weren't for the fact that he was walking beside Wudhi, the Korok might just have buckled. But his posturing kept him upright.

"There is something particular about the forest people and their extreme courage," Endeavor murmured, the only one not showing any signs of fear. Or he thought they murmured. Link suddenly was aware of Endeavor being well over two heads taller than him. He paused, wondering how he'd never noticed it. Zelda was several inches taller than him as well now that he thought about it.

Link set a hand on his head, feeling a little flustered. How had he not noticed that until now? Was he really that small? Endeavor was very tall, but so were most of the Drex, who seemed to share height and thinness as a trait along with their eyes. But then again, there were plenty of Hylians who were tall. So why was Link so short?

"Link."

Link snapped back to reality. Endeavor looked alarmed for once, but as he looked at them, their expression returned. "Do not let the madness of this woods consume you."

"Mr. Hero, you had a sc-scary look in your eye for a moment there," Kephe said, keeping some distance from Link.

"What?" Link asked, unaware of what he had been thinking about.

"It looks like the woods are getting to you." Wudhi waddled next to Link, before looking at Kephe and Mismawn. "The two of you, help me up."

Mismawn crossed his short arms, trying to look strong in spite of his blatant fear. "I'm not helping a Scrub."

"Drop it, Mismawn, this is the Hero we're talking about," Wudhi returned. "Now quit dawdling, we need to help."

"C-come on, Mismawn," Kephe pleaded. The Kikwi lifted Wudhi up onto his shoulders. Mismawn grumbled, before lifting Kephe up as well. The tower came about to Link's chin. He stood there, taking a moment to appreciate this novelty, a trio of stacked little adventurers.

Wudhi looked into Link's eyes, the Deku Scrub's gaping snout came uncomfortably close to Link's face. They sat there for a moment in silence, an awkward pause filling the air. Link started to look away when Wudhi stated, "You need to clear your mind. You're bringing evil into an already corrupted wood. We can't make more of it. You bring doubts in here, they'll only multiply."