ButterflyBabyBlue

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Posts posted by ButterflyBabyBlue


  1. I bump into Fintan on my way out of my tent, and he takes me by the shoulders.

    "Have you seen Leoni anywhere?" he asks me.

    "No, not since yesterday," I answer. "What's happening?"

    "We think he's run off somewhere; all of his things are gone from his tent."

    "What?! Why would he-?"

    I stop myself short, already knowing the answer, and I bite my lip as a wave of guilt washes over me.

    "Oh, goddesses," I say, wincing. "This is all my fault. I KNEW he wasn't okay with this..."

    "Whether it's your fault or not, we've got to find him," Fintan says. "Sault is looking for him in the sky, and I think the rest of us should look elsewhere; there's no other Loftwings available to us to borrow."

    I nod absently, feeling more guilt than anything. Poor Leoni..


  2. Sault bids me goodnight after walking me to my tent, and I fling myself down, already half-asleep. My head still aches from earlier, and faint echoes of Majora's voice still drift through my mind.

    Nevertheless, I sleep all night without dreams.

    When morning comes, I wake early, pushing myself up with a yawn. I stretch for a few minutes before I decide to have breakfast.

    I sit down at a bench when I realise someone is already there with me.

    "Morning," says Fintan with a yawn.

    "Morning," I reply, taking a piece of bread. "Thanks again for yesterday, and for offering to look after me."

    "It's no problem," he replies. "Besides, it's some sort of practice for me, isn't it?"

    "I guess so," I say with a smile, then falter. "I wonder what the next attack will be like."

    "You were always great at casual conversation," Fintan says slyly, before his tone becomes more serious. "I don't know, really. Who knows what kind of power they could have?"

    I nod. "It could be anything at all. What if they're as powerful as Avani, or more?"


  3. Fintan and Melaina sit, soaked to the bone, on a thick log. Sault and I sit on either side of them, still grinning.

    "You guys really need to improve your stamina," Sault says. "You'll never avoid our pranks otherwise!"

    "Oh, you two are just ridiculous!" Melaina says from next to me. "What age are you supposed to be again?"

    I smile, stretching my arms up into a yawn. "Ah, Melaina, you just-"

    I stop suddenly when I feel something probing, seemingly at my mind. What feels like daggers claw their way into my temples, and I slide from my seat, hands gripping at the sides of my head.

    "Fintan!" I cry out. "Help!"

    I feel hands on my arms, the voices of my friends, and then it stops suddenly. And all I hear is one voice.

    "Caoilainn," it greets me, slicing through my mind. "You may have eliminated Ardaia, Avani... But believe me when I say that we are far from finished with you and your little friends. I give you this warning, and advise you to heed it so that you might prepare, and put up a good fight."

    Even after the message is delivered, Majora's voice still hounds me, and I'm only just in touch with reality, my fingers scratching at the dirt below me. An endless stream of insults and curses, Ardaia's voice, a torrent of noise...

    "Help!" I force out. "Help me!"


  4. "Caoilainn?" Fintan asks, baffled. I push myself off of him, grinning.

    "Sorry, Fintan," I apologize, catching my breath. "Running around blind doesn't help me avoid bumping into people."

    "What's happening, anyway?" he asks. "You're all racing about like madmen!"

    "Melaina," I say, half to myself. "She's a little... Gah! I'll sneak up on her later, when she won't expect me. Then we'll see how she likes it..."

    "I don't mean to interrupt your monologue," Fintan says, "but you're starting to sound a little more evil than usual."

    I shake my head at him, or in his general direction, and dust off my clothes.

    "On that topic," I say, "what do you think about that last demon, at the end of the battle? The one possessed by Majora?"


  5. After making sure Thadea was sleeping soundly, Sault and I went to grab some food from the communal tent before heading out to train a little more at my insistence.

    "We could be relaxing, you know," Sault points out as we walk.

    "No one said you had to come with me," I tell him as we come to a clearing. "Here, there's your... buckler, is that what you called them?"

    "Yep," Sault replies, taking it from me. "Ready?"

    "I'm always ready," I say smugly. "Lets go."

    He comes at me with his sword, and I raise the buckler. To my annoyance, I'm a little late in countering, and Sault just manages to stop himself from slicing me in two. However, the situation turns out worse than even that.

    I stand, paralyzed, Sault's lips on mine.

    Jumping back, I lose my footing on a tree root and fall back, dropping my things. I scramble up, blushing red as a tomato, and glare in Sault's direction.

    "Well," he says. "That was... something."


  6. I couldn't tell for sure whether Leoni had taken the news of Sault and I in his stride, or whether he was feeling dismal.

    I'd apologised and explained to him how I'd found something new and different with Sault; Leoni simply acknowledged it with a somewhat resigned sigh, before taking off, presumably to go and read or help out some more.

    "Caoilainn, what if my eye doesn't get better?" Thadea asks. I return my attention to her, placing a hand on the sheets she lies on.

    "Don't worry," I tell her with a small smile. "Zelda will be here soon, and she'll make you better."

    "How come she didn't make your eyes better?"

    "Ah..." I trail off. "Well, don't you worry about that, Thadea. Just try to get some sleep for now."

    I look up when I hear someone enter the tent.

    "Caoilainn?" Sault asks. "I was talking to Leoni there..."

    "How is he holding up?" I ask.

    "I'm not really sure, to be honest," he replies.

    I shake my head. "I couldn't really tell either. He seems very calm about this."

    He sits down next to me, taking one of my hands in his. "Hopefully, he'll be okay with this."

    I nod my agreement, holding his hand tightly.


  7. I steel myself before leaving my tent, counting the steps to the communal tent and poking my head in.

    "Leoni?" I call. "Leoni, are you here?"

    One of the other Sheikah speaks up. "I think he went to the medical tent, Caoilainn."

    I thank her and turn around, counting the steps again until I bump into a Sheikah standing outside of the tent. Blushing a little, I venture in a little and hear familiar voices.

    "He should be alright," I hear Leoni say. "And Bryarly is- ah."

    From the sudden shift in tone, I can safely assume he's spotted me at the entrance. I take a breath in, scuffing my feet against the ground.

    "Caoilainn," Sault says softly. I can hear the concern in his voice but don't address it right away.

    "Leoni, could I talk to you, please?" I ask him. "Whenever you're ready, that is."

    "Er, sure," he says, and I hear him approach. I duck out of the tent and walk a little ways away, toward the outskirts of the forest.

    "I... I have a thing or two to explain to you, Leoni."


  8. After leaving Thadea and helping out the others as best as I can, I sit for a while in my tent and try to clear my head.

    I look up at the sound of the tent flap being pushed back, and someone steps inside.

    "Who is it?" I ask.

    "It's me," Sault replies. "I was just wondering if you were okay, with all that's happened today."

    I frown. "Of course I am. "

    He sits down next to me, and after a moment he puts an arm around my shoulder, pulling me a little closer to him.

    "Seriously," I tell him, "I'm fine."

    "Alright then," he replies, but I can already tell he's not convinced. And the lump in my stomach isn't convincing me either.

    "Thadea," I say. "She's blind in one eye now. That poor girl..."

    I can't cry, but my shoulders shake and my chin wobbles, and after a moment I give up and take a fistful of his shirt, burying my head in the crook of his neck.

    "Caoilainn," the familiar voice of Fintan arrives, "I was just checking that- oh."

    "Fintan," Sault says hesitantly. "I, er, it's just..."

    I look in Fintan's general direction, letting go of Sault.

    "Does Leoni know?" Fintan asks.

    "Nobody knew," I tell him. "Until now, that is. It's nothing against Leoni, though..."

    "I... I think you should probably talk to him about it."

    I twiddle my thumbs, nodding my agreement. "I will, I promise."

    Fintan turns and leaves then, and I let out a sigh. Sault seems to relax a little, and I can feel his gaze on me.

    "Fintan does have a point," he says. I nod again, crossing my legs.

    "I know, I know. I'll settle it."


  9. I clutch my hand to my heart upon hearing the demon address us, a knot forming in my stomach.

    "Majora will rise from the destruction," I repeat, unwanted memories of my first meeting with Majora resurfacing. I grimace, thinking of that enormous power.

    "Are you alright?" Sault asks from my left. I feel him place an arm on my shoulder and I welcome the gesture.

    "I'll be fine," I tell him. "We should look for our people."

    We set off to look for anyone that may have been injured in the battle, or innocents who may have been caught in the crossfire.

    After a lengthy period of helping people into medical tents, I head back to the battlefield to look for any more people we may have missed.

    "C-Caoilainn..." a tiny voice calls out, somewhere behind me.

    "Who is it?" I ask, moving in that direction.

    "Caoilainn, it's m-me," they reply, and I take it to be a girl. "Thadea."

    I flinch upon hearing the name, and I walk as quickly as I can to her, tripping and picking myself numerous times.

    "Over... here," she directs me feebly. "I'm over h-here..."

    Finally, I locate her, and I hear her shallow breaths.

    "Where are you hurt?" I ask. "Can I pick you up?"

    "It's m-my leg... and my eye. M-my left eye can't see you."


  10. The chaos is absolutely insane. The noise of feet pounding against the earth coupled with the thunder above is a horrible combination.

    I dash forward with the others, trying my best not to stumble. Sault helps me when it's needed, though the tremors that shake the earth make it difficult for both of us.

    "Where is she?" I ask, raising my voice so they can hear me.

    "Just ahead," Leoni shouts. "And it looks like she has reinforcements with her!"

    I try to imagine the situation as best as I can in my mind, running as quickly as I can. The ground seems to tremble more with every step we take, and I have to admire Avani's sheer power, the magnitude of it.

    "Melaina," I shout to her, on my left. "Onc we get closer, you should try to get up at a height! There's no point staying on uneven ground when you can maintain some distance!"

    She doesn't reply at first, but I'm preoccupied by another thought then. I'm still unsure of my abilities, but it's possible that I could make use of what teleportation skills I have...


  11. I listen to the younger Sheikah as they do their best to imitate the kick I've been showing them. They cry out in old Hylian as they kick, all of them seeming to move in synchronisation. I wait for a second after they finish, and one of them clicks their fingers. 

    "What's wrong?" I ask, trying to pinpoint the young boy's voice.

    "I can't get my leg up as high as the others, Caoilainn!" he says. "It hurts when I try to kick high."

    "You've got to stretch more," I tell him, bending so that I can show him how exactly to do it. "You see?"

    "Thanks, Caoilainn," the boy says, and I nod in his direction. There are a few more clicks from the others, and I answer their queries. 

    After the lesson is finished, the students disband and I stay behind to practice my martial arts. I spend an hour practicing, and by the time I'm finished I'm ready to fall over my own feet. I sit down, breathing heavily, running a hand across my forehead and tightening my bandages.

    "Caoilainn?" someone calls from the entrance to the training tent. I recognise the soft voice to be Zelda's. "I just wanted to let you know about what's happening with the Hylians. The people still living in Skyloft are going to move down to the surface and settle here. It's for their safety, of course, but some of them may be able to fight."

    "I thought your father was reluctant?" I ask, standing. 

    "Yes, but...  desperate times call for desperate measures," Zelda says, and for a moment I can hear Hylia in her voice. However, she has a point.

    "I agree," I say. "I hate admitting it, but we need all the help we can get."


  12. Sheik's words weigh on my mind as I make my way out of the tent, moving quickly to the communal tent. A younger Sheikah grabs an apple for me and I take a bite from it, contemplating.

    I'd managed to avoid Sault since he'd come out with his news, luckily enough. But I was going to have to face him sooner or later, and I may as well get it said before I snapped at him.

    I step outside, listening for some sign of someone walking about. "Sault? Sault!"

    Sure enough, I hear Sault jump, and I pinpoint him somewhere to my right. I stride over, and take him by the arm. "I need to talk to you."

    "Uh, sure," he says, sounding a little jittery.

    "What you said, a while ago," I start. "Well... I wasn't exactly sure myself but, I think that I may feel for you in that same way and... I didn't want to admit it, but you opening up made me realise it. So... hm. There's that."


  13. I wake up to the sound of my stomach growling at me and the chirp of birds outside my tent. Pushing myself up, I get dressed and head in the general direction of the communal tent.

    As I walk, I count the steps, and eventually arrive at the tent. I can hear Fintan and Melaina, and make my way over to them.

    "Caoilainn," Fintan greets me, sounding a little distant.

    "Is everything okay?" I ask.

    "It's Sheik," Melaina speaks up. "He seems more and more on edge lately, and he doesn't seem too eager to fill us in."

    "That's odd," I remark. "If he was to tell anyone, it should be us."

    "That's what's bothering me," says Fintan. "What would he be holding back from us?"

    I shake my head, pondering. Honestly, I don't know why Sheik would keep secrets from us at such a crucial time.

    "Hey, guys," comes a voice that I recognize as Leoni's. He makes his way over with someone else who I assume to be Sault.

    "Morning everyone!" he says, confirming it for me. "What's up?"

    Fintan explains the predicament while I fetch some breakfast for myself, and I hear Sault humming in thought.

    "I've noticed it too," he says. "But, maybe we should give him some time and see if he wants to come to us about it?"

    Fintan reluctantly agrees, and I hear him sit down on a bench. I chew on a piece of bread, thinking to myself, when someone taps me on the shoulder.

    "Who is it?" I ask, turning around.

    "It's me, er, Sault," he replies. "I was wondering if I could talk to you for a moment?"


  14. "Here, like this," I say to Sault, moving my hand along his arm to fix the position he holds his arm in.

    He looks over his shoulder at me and I can tell he's grinning. "You sure you're not just looking for a chance to feel my muscles, Caoilainn?"

    "Goddesses, no!" I snap at him, colour flushing my cheeks. "You're far too hopeful."

    "Alright, alright," he says, laughing. "But, er, Caoilainn? I'm starting to go a little numb..."

    "Oh! Sorry..." I let go of him then, embarrassed.

    "Well, hey, I never said you had to let go," Sault says slyly.

    Still blushing, and wondering what his train of thought is exactly, I take him again and help him draw his arm back correctly.

    "Now," I order, and he lets the arrow fly. I hear a thunk, and move back as Sault cheers for himself.

    "I'm assuming it hit?" I ask.

    To my surprise, I'm pulled in for a hug as Sault laughs.

    "Who would have thought?" he asks. I hug him back tentatively, my hands light on his back.

    With a smile, I echo his question. "Who would have thought?"


  15. "This is just crazy," I tell Sault, raising the buckler once more to bat away his sword. "I think I'm just lucky my hearing has picked up!"

    "You're getting the hang of it, though!" he remarks. He swings again and I swerve to avoid it, stumbling a little. "You'll have a nice choice when it comes to future battles, I suppose!"

    I smile at that, trying to pinpoint him again. When I do, I surprise him by kicking under his shield, square in the chest. With a gasp, he's knocked back, and I laugh a little without meaning to.

    "Hey, your laugh is adorable!" Sault remarks, and I shoot him a half-hearted glare. "Over to your left, Caoilainn."

    Scowling, I help him up again, and he nearly collides with me as I do.

    "Whoops," he says lightly. "Sorry about that. So, we should probably head back to the camp! It's getting a little dark, and I imagine you're a little hungry."

    "A little," I say, attempting to be dismissive. However the growling of my stomach gives me away, and I concede defeat. "Alright, let's go."


  16. Sault yelps as I come at him again with a punch, barely managing to leap out of the way. He lands somewhere off to the right, and I turn to face him, offering him a hand up.

    I let out a startled cry as he pulls me down onto the grass next to him, my breath coming out of me in a rush.

    "Burn you, Sault, but you're strong," I say, leaning my head back.

    "Well, not quite as strong as you are, I don't think," he replies cheerily. "I'd have to do a lot to get to that level."

    "That may be so," I say. "But there always will be someone who is better than you in some way. For example, Melaina has more experience with a bow than I have. Fintan is better than all of us at meditation and reading thoughts and auras. Even I'm not the best fighter there is; though I might be the best in our tribe, there's someone out there who is better. And you're better than all of us with a sword and shield, so don't sell yourself short."

    He's silent for a moment, and I take the opportunity to sit up and take a deep breath, enjoying the peace that being outdoors brings me.

    "Speaking of swords and shields," Sault says, "I've got to show you how to use them!"

    I grumble a little in protest, reluctant. "Fine, fine, you can train me in that area... But only after we get some food."

    "Sounds like a plan!"


  17. It was decided between Fintan and Link that we should return to the Sheikah camp and begin to train ourselves in order to prepare for the battle against Avani. Since she could choose to strike at any time, it was agreed that preparation was of the most importance.

    I spent most of the morning practising some archery with Zelda and Melaina -hitting targets while blind was challenging, to say the least, but moving targets were a little easier to manage, funnily enough. After lunch, I stayed true to Sault and took him out to the forest.

    "Alright," I say, fastening my blindfold. "Combat training first."

    "Are you sure?" he asks. "I'm much better with my sword and-"

    I kick out and hear his sword drop to the ground. Another kick and his shield is gone.

    "Now you're disarmed," I say, settling into a fighting position. "What do you do?"

    I'm surprised when he actually throws a punch, though it stops just short of my face.

    "Why did you stop?" I ask with a frown. Trying to envision him in my mind, I kick again and my foot hits against his chest, knocking him back.

    "I thought-" Sault abandons his sentence and I hear him laugh. "Well, it seems there's no manners required here."

    He tries another punch and I dodge just before it hits. Acting quickly, I sweep him, and hear a satisfying 'thud' as he falls.

    "Damn..." Sault says, and I can tell he's smiling. "I've got some work cut out for me!"


  18. "Now, we have to repeat the same procedure as before," Fintan tells her calmly. "Could you step into the spring?"

    It seems Melaina is a little reluctant, but after a moment she does as he asks and steps in. Fintan follows her and begins repeating the procedure again.

    I wait as the others all take a few steps back; whatever is happening doesn't have much of an effect on me other than the air cooling for a split second. Then it's over, and I hear Melaina and Fintan sigh with relief.

    "Finally," Fintan says. "We have you back with us."

    The rest of our group rejoices, and I hear their footsteps as they make their way to Melaina.

    "You coming, Caoilainn?" Sault asks from beside me. I jump, a little startled.

    "I didn't see you there," I say, then pause. "Oops. But, yeah, sure. Thanks for waiting up for me."

    "Not at all," he says lightly, taking me by the hand and leading me to where the rest are gathered.

    As we walk, I try to tell myself that my cheeks are warm because of the temperature.


  19. ((Also, guys, I think Nayru is having some difficulty with her WiFi; she's having trouble replying!))


  20. After reminding Melaina of the way we've been travelling as of late and getting her safely onto Bryarly's Loftwing, the rest of us partner up and begin flying to the Eldin region, headed for the next spring. I ride again on Zelda's Loftwing, enjoying the feeling of the wind blowing through my hair as we travel.

    "We're almost there, Caoilainn," says Zelda over the noise of the wind. We must have come to the portal for Eldin, because Link shouts to the others to fly to a specific point over the Eldin region. Zelda gives the command and I take her hand, leaping off the bird's back and hurtling downwards until the Sailcloth is pulled open to slow us down. 

    "Well that was... something," Melaina says. "Is this how we've always travelled?"

    "More recently than not," Fintan tells her. "Now, lets get to the spring and see what else we can do for your memory, Melaina."

    "It's going to be absolutely boiling in here," I say with a groan.

    "It could be nice!" Sault replies. "A good change from Faron, anyways, the weather's always the same there."

    "Let's get going, guys," Leoni pipes up. "We're losing time as it is!"


  21. We pass through one final chamber, and then we're outside in what feels like a very tranquil, peaceful place. That is, until a booming voice that could only belong to a dragon breaks the silence. 

    "Ah, well met, hero! And the mortal goddess!" Faron exclaims. "Who are your companions today?"

    Fintan introduces Melaina and himself to her, and the rest of us give her our names after that. She makes a noise of approval, and is silent for a moment. 

    "You there, Caoilainn," she says, and I jump a little.

    "Er... yes?"

    "Your aura is a dark one," Faron notes. "Considerably darker than that of the others."

    I falter for a moment, biting my lip. "Would you mind if we discussed that later? I think Melaina's situation is a little more pressing than mine, honestly."

    "Hmm... Well, let's get to it, then. Fintan, was that your name?"

    Fintan steps forward, whispering something to Melaina as they approach her. 

    "I understand that your skill lies in the realm of telepathy," Faron says. "Very well; let us see what can be done for your friend."

    I follow the sound of the other's footsteps and stand with them while Fintan, presumably, is readying himself. I hear a gentle splash after some soft discussion - Melaina must have stepped into the water. I can only imagine how confused she must feel, receiving all of these instructions, meeting a creature like the water dragon...

    "Alright," says Faron, "with the help of the spring's water, you should be able to do this."

    There's a moment silence, and I frown, not sure what's happening. Then Fintan speaks up.

    "I... I can't... What if I hurt her again..?"

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  22. It seems Link and the other Hylians are quite familiar with Skyview Temple, though I'm baffled in regards to why one would want to become familiar with a place like this. For once I'm glad I can't see, because the dampness and moisture in the air make the trek unpleasant as it is.

    "So, what's Faron actually like?" I ask after a while. "I've never met her."

    "She's..." Link trails off, seeming unsure. He walks at the head of the group, leading us along. "A little hard to describe. She can be a little demanding, at times, if I'm honest, and somewhat hard to work with. She definitely appreciate good manners too."

    "I'll remember that," I say, though in reality I'm simply making a note to myself to say as little as possible to the dragon.

    "She could be a pretty useful ally, I bet!" Sault says from beside me.

    "Or she could be as demanding and difficult to work with as Link said," I reply drily.

    As we walk along some sort of pathway, I yelp when my foot misses the path completely and for a moment, I begin to tip over into what I assume is water below me.

    At the last moment, however, I'm caught by the wrist, and I hear Sault's sigh of relief. He pulls me up with a laugh, setting me down again.

    "I swear to Hylia, Caoilainn," he says, "you do love giving us frights!"

    Scowling half-heartedly, I lengthen my stride to catch up with the others, ignoring Sault's chuckles and focusing on walking in a straight line.


  23. We arrive back to camp after a while, and even without seeing the glares, I know they're there.

    "Fintan, Caoilainn," Sheik addresses us. "I'm not going to ask you two to explain yourselves... But try to stick with us for now, would you? Your group is to head to Faron Woods tomorrow: for one, we must try to restore Melaina's memory; and we must also secure Faron as an ally."

    "That won't be easy," I hear Link say. "Faron can be difficult to deal with..."
    "For now, you should all get some rest before you set out in the morning," Sheik advises. "Good night, everyone."

    He leaves, footsteps fading, and Sault lets out a sigh. "Well, we'd better do what he says! Do you want a hand getting back to your tent, Caoilainn?"

    I locate Sault and take his hand, and our group splits up as we all head to our respective tents.

    "So, Caoilainn; how are you feeling?" Sault asks me as we walk. I frown in his direction, sceptical.

    "You offered me a hand so you could ask me about my feelings, Sault?" I reply. 

    He laughs at that, if a little nervously. "I'm just wondering, is all. I didn't get to speak to you much after the whole affair with Ardaia, and your return to the camp."

    "I'm alright," I tell him. "Even for me."

    "Well, if you insist," he says, his tone laced with doubt. "We're here at your tent. If you need to say something to me though, don't hesitate!"

    "I won't; thanks Sault," I reply, giving him a brief smile before I step inside. 

    Worn out, my back aching from leaning against the wall of that cave, it doesn't take long before I'm fast asleep.


  24. "You don't need to describe it to me, Fintan," I say softly. "I can at least partly imagine how you feel, your friends not wanting to so much as look at you."

    I can't tell what expression he's wearing, but he stiffens up a little at that last remark. I take a bite out of my apple, chewing as he lets out a sigh.

    "I'm sorry," he says, and I feel him shift so he can place his head against the wall. "You must believe me."

    "Nah, it's fine," I reply. "The past is in the past, I suppose."

    "I'm glad," Fintan says, and I can hear a slight lift in his tone. "I just hope we can help her quickly enough..."
    "And we will," I say determinedly. "I promise you. Here."

    I extend my hand and lift my little finger for him to take. After a moment, he does, and we shake on it. 

    "There," I say. "Now we'll definitely help her."

    "I can only hope it's not too late.." Fintan falters a little, and I frown. 

    "Are you okay?" I ask hesitantly.

    "Fine," he grates out. "I'm just... I'm just so..."

    He's unable to finish his sentence, and finally I hear what I'd expected. He sniffs, before I feel a tear drop onto my hand. 

    "Fintan..." I take his hand as gently as I can, feeling his shake underneath. He seems to have curled up into a ball, trembling a little. "Fintan, I'm sorry this has happened..."

    He says nothing; choosing to remain silent and be done with his grieving, I imagine. I hold him in place as he lets out his frustration and his grief over Melaina, not sure whether I should speak up or not. After a while, I give him a little shake.

    "Fintan, we should probably start making our way back, if we're to do something about this situation, hm?"


  25. "That's certainly an interesting idea," Zelda says. "It's great to finally hear something positive!"

    "I'm glad," says Leoni warmly.

    "There's a problem, though," I say, frowning. "How are we ever going to get that close to Avani? From what we've seen so far, she prefers to attack at a long distance. Fintan's ability to get into her head doesn't require such close contact."

    "Hmm," Leoni ponders. "I'll admit that I didn't think that through..."

    "I'm sure we can find some way around it," says Zelda reassuringly. I shrug, getting to my feet.

    "Caoilainn, where are you off to?" Leoni asks.

    "I'll be back in a little while," I say, waving a hand nonchalantly. Feeling my way along, I go first to grab some bread and two apples. Then, I begin making my way to where I imagine Fintan will have gone to.

    It's an arduous journey, requiring me to place one apple in my mouth while securing the rest of my pickings in my sash. The amount of times my feet slip into the water is embarrassing, but eventually I'm on relatively flat ground, and follow the sound of the water until I come to an opening.

    "Fintan?" I call out over the noise.

    "Caoilainn!" he yelps. "What in the name of Hylia are you doing out here? You're blind, in case you forgot! Come here..."