[EDITING] The Legend of Zelda: Goddess of Secrecy

Overworld Chapter 8 - In the Depths of a Giant

...and the carved city that was beyond. Once the tunnel opened up, the walls parted into a round, tiered cavern, each level becoming smaller until it reached the last level, where an wooden pulley system hung over an opening down into a mine. Dark stone braziers lit the stone halls in brilliant orange-red light.

Not long after their entry, a Goron rolled up in front of them, popping open to his feet when he was about ten feet away. "Ohwp! This is no place for humans."

"Neither of us are human," Endeavor replied, some their irritation returning at the delay. The Goron scratched his head. Endeavor went on as though it were not obvious, "I am Drex, and he is Hylian. That is not human."

"This is no place for anyone other than the Gorons," the Goron replied sternly as he processed the correction.

"That will not do," Endeavor returned. "We need to get into the Temple of Power."

The Goron paused. "The Temple...of Power?"

Endeavor groaned. They asked Link," Do none of your people remember the legends before them or what their goddesses stand for? One would believe that by now these things would be more widely written down and told."

Link shrugged, and Endeavor turned back to the goron. "Your chieftain will know what we are looking for. May we speak with him?"

The Goron said, "This is no place for you. You must leave."

"We're not with those soldiers outside," Link offered.

Again, the Goron shook his head, answering in repetition, "This is no place for anyone other than Gorons. Dark things are happening here. You are better facing the monsters, brother."

Endeavor unstrung their violin from their pack. They stated, "I know how to deal with darkness. If nothing else, let me play to your people to help ease their hearts in these dark times. Surely music is a tale you carry."

The Goron hesitated, looking at the two warriors. "Ohww...alright. But you leave your weapons here. I don't want Bigbrother Darinus thinking I let in soldiers."

"Sure," Link replied easily, trying to be cooperative. Endeavor looked at him, raising a brow. Link just smiled as he undid his sword belt and leaned his sword and shield against a brazier. Endeavor reluctantly followed suit, setting their rapier and double helix knife beside Link's weapons.

Satisfied that the two were unarmed, the Goron rolled up, and began heading back down into the city. Link and Endeavor followed, Endeavor with their violin and bow in hand. Link walked beside them, looking at all the features of Goron City to try and familiarize with the town himself while he had the time.

Each tier of the city had a different use, all of them connected by stairs and ramps carved further into the mountain. The top tier had shops for Gorons and visitors alike. The second tier was aimed more for entertainment, though it had its fair share of storage rooms. Gorons sparred with each other in sumo rings, or bet on those who were. The third tier was a housing district. The only shops this far down were blacksmiths, trying to get the hottest lava for their forges. Like all the levels above it, the Gorons' symbol was painted in red paint just about everywhere.

Link noticed Endeavor's mood becoming increasingly tighter as they reached the third tier. He asked, "Everything alright?"

"Of course," Endeavor answered stiffly.

"You don't like leaving behind your sword, do you?" Link inquired.

"Why would I be worried about leaving behind my sword?" Endeavor replied. "The Gorons are a peaceful race, even when they refuse to interact with the rest of the world."