towerofanimus | Carrying an Ancient Tune

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Carrying an Ancient Tune

Characters: Fado the Wind Sage and whoever happens by!
Setting: Floor 32, Floor 73, Floor 99, Floor 101
Format: Starting prose, but I'm fine with doing either if you don't want to
Summary: Fado returns to the Tower, and a lot has changed while he's been gone. That's not so strange for a guy who's been dead for thousands of years, but he still tries to get re-acquainted.
Warnings: None at the moment, but it's Animus how bad could it be.

[Floor 32]

His return to this Tower was met with mixed feelings. When he had been returned to the barrens of the Great Sea, Fado will admit, he hadn't exactly been the most... well, he didn't take it too well. After the infestation of your temple, your own death, the sinking of your kingdom-- well let's just say he could've been WORSE, but he wasn't the greatest at the time. But after a while, he had finally calmed back down, and he had even found the remains of his Temple with the water all dried up, and that was enough peace for him.

Coming back had ripped him away from the Wind Temple yet again. But on the other hand, he had returned to some sort of civilization. Though he'd waited thousands of years for the Hero of Winds to arrive-- he wasn't sure that the world being barren really mattered anymore.

But one thing this Tower had that his Temple or the Sea didn't have anymore was vegetation; and even if it couldn't compare to his home forest, the forest here in the Tower was the closest thing he could he right now. The music wasn't right; but it'd been so long since he'd heard the proper music of the forest that he could set that concern to the wayside right now. At the moment, he just enjoyed being in a forest again, and he was going around, with his violin and bow on his belt, tending to the leaves and the plants and the trees as if it were his own garden. He was even greeting some of the animals, as long as they didn't pose an immediate threat.

[Floor 73]

It'd been a while since Fado had seen or felt the cold-- he vastly preferred something more tropical, but he had stopped on this floor for a reason. There was something wrong here; something very very wrong. More wrong than the rest of the tower-- though perhaps that was his own superstitions?

Evil magic. Traces of it still tainted the floor, and it made his brow furrow as he stepped around in the snow. A feeling of malevolence and the desecrated remains of a castle? It was almost too familiar of a situation.

He stood among the ruins of the castle for now, touching the seemingly ancient walls with a frown that was uncharacteristic of his usual expression. He'd felt the same thing on a few other floors, but there was this odd sense of unease even stronger here...

[Floor 99]

Fado was of course, a highly powerful sage and a well-respected servant of the Royal Family and member of the court in Hyrule. Very well-- and a very old one at that! His species did have a naturally long life-span.

..Though it was no coincidence that his species also perpetually appeared to be children (until they evolved into the Koroks, at least). The side of him that still hosted his childish tendencies took over at the sight of the crystalline caverns, and in his exuberant fascination, he...had, kind of fallen into one of the pools of water.

Apparently he didn't mind though, because he was currently kneeling in the same pool, very much wet, but far too preoccupied with one of the little crystals he was now holding gleefully in his hand.

[Floor 101]

Anyone happening on this floor or the two above or below it might hear a cheerful tune carrying throughout the area. Anyone investigating would find Fado perched on the edge of the 100th floor, sitting right underneath one of the hanging plants and happily playing the tune on his violin. He doesn't look to be paying attention, but there's enough pauses in the song to grab his attention if you want...

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The tune is compelling.

Even if Din had wanted to, she probably wouldn't have been able to resist; but the thing is that she doesn't want to resist, and she's perfectly content with allowing the slight tapping of her foot and the slight swaying of her hips to become graceful leaps and twirls.

She doesn't know who the musician is, but if he happens to notice her, she'll shoot him a smile but won't stop her dance. If he doesn't? Well, she's okay with dancing until the music ends. Then they can talk.

He took note of her, with a small quirk of his head, though far be it from him to interrupt his own song, or to stop someone from dancing.

It was another minute or so before he he finally brought the Aria down and allowed the melody to come to an end. Of course, it was only when he finished playing and actually stood and turned to address her that he realized who it was--

"Th-- The goddess?!" Well OK, not quite the goddess-- but intimately connected, he could already tell. The revelation had him surprisingly frazzled as he fidgeted with his bow before extending his arms out around him and bowed his head.

"My apologies--! I must admit, my knowledge of your precise status eludes me, and I had no idea of whose presence I was in..."

When the music came to an end, Din slowed to a stop before pivoting to face Fado, and sank into a deep bow. "Thank you for the music, I enjoyed--"

He seemed to have seen something in her - something past seeing a red-haired, tan-skinned dancing girl. She straightened up, her lips twitced up into a grin that is obviously tinged with amusement, and she shook her head.

"I'm no goddess; I'm just named for one..."

Whether that was entirely true or not... well, who was to say? The dancer put one hand on her hip and gestured to herself with her free hand.

"So tell me - can you guess my name?"

He straightened back up and flicked his bow at her as if it was a finger wagging mischievously.

"Why, you must be Din-- named for she who bestows us Life and Power."

And even if Fado didn't have an acute spiritual sense, she WAS kind of dressed in red.

"That's exactly right!"

The correct guess - though really, it wasn't at all difficult to figure out - makes her smile, and she claps her hands together, the golden rings around her wrists clinking together. "I'm sorry to say that I don't know your name, and I'm not sure I'd be able to guess. I'd quite like to know the name of someone who could make such beautiful music, though!"

At her jubilation, a grin spreads across his face.

"Banish this regret from your mind-- for I am no one so important to be known regardless of my time and origin." He was pretty well aware of all of the Time shenanigans going on in his own world. Which was probably a given seeing as the legendary hero was named just so.

He let the end of his violin rest ever so light on the ground, and he bowed once more, this time with one arm sweeping across his chest, and the bow only lasting a few seconds or so. "I am Fado of the Kokiri Tribe; I am the Sage of the Winds, a humble servant of the goddesses and the Royal Family."

Fado, Kokiri, Sage of Winds. Those are terms she's never heard before - though of course she's aware of the goddesses and of the Royal Family of Hyrule; who wouldn't be, even in the land of Holodrum? She returns his bow with a measured, graceful one of her own.

"A pleasure to meet you, Fado, Sage of Winds."

Then she straightens up and a thoughtful look comes over her face. "I'm not acquainted with many Sages. Now, if you'd asked me about Oracles, on the other hand..." She shrugs lightly. "That would have been another story entirely."

A pause, followed by, "So tell me - is it that all members of the Kokiri Tribe are skilled musicians, that all Sages are skilled musicians, or that you're just special?"

Edited (...sonofa-- I screwed that up TWICE? I am so sorry) 2013-03-11 02:45 (UTC)

Oracles? He'd certainly heard tell of something like that, but even his knowledge on that particular subject was al but naught.

"Unfortunately it is the opposite for I-- there are no Oracles in the Kingdom I know, but it is protected by many loyal Sages. I believe our functions are not entirely dissimilar."

And at her inquiry, a very Kokiri-esque and clever grin comes to his face. "Music has always had a dear place in the matters of not only my people, but the dealings of the Castle as well. Still, I know of only a few other Sages that have such mastery as myself. it is with my music that I maintain my connection and prayer to the goddesses."

"Perhaps the specifics are different, but as the role I play serves to protect the kingdom from which I hail, I have to agree with you."

Din grins, because while the Kokiri in front of her may not be an Oracle and while he may not even be from Holodrum, having someone around who understands responsibility but also seems to like to have a good time is a relief. Doubly so because he's a musician, and, well - having musicians around is always a plus for her.

She chuckles when he speaks of mastery. "Ah, I see! It's like that with dance, for me - it is through dance that I maintain the connection between the spiritual world and the physical world. I suppose it's no small wonder, then, that we're both skilled at our respective trades."

Humility? What's that?

"It's hard to say, but it would seem that our duties are not so different." Though he was certain an Oracle would have more power than just a Sage. (Which isn't to say a Sage was weak by any means, but it was the principal of the matter.)

Humility or no, he chuckles in amusement. "It is after all, only the best that would serve our Kingdom, in a place where such arts are so near and dear. Though I do not communicate with the spirits personally, it is only through my tune that the power of evil's bane is retained."

"That's impressive..."

As important as retaining the seasons' balance is, Din likes the sound of "the power of evil's bane," if only because it just sounded good.

"I'd love to see this in action someday, if such a thing is possible in this place."

It certainly more than sounded good! It was the exact opposite of evil!

"Ordinarily, I would be glad to," He says, lowering his violin to relax his posture. "But unfortunately it seems the Hero has gone and run off on me. And without them here, there is nothing for me to play my song for and fill with light."

There's a bit of a sad tone to his voice and expression as he continues, but his smile holds fast. It was hard to be an aid to the Hero with no Hero, after all.

"That is a shame..."

It was possible that a Hero might appear here, someday. It might be Fado's hero, or her hero, or another hero entirely - it certainly seemed as though there was no end to the line of Links that appeared in times of need.

Perhaps there was even one here right now.

But Din wasn't sure if she should say such a thing. Being in this Tower was bad enough, and while the Legendary Hero would certainly make dealing with certain people in the Tower easier, well - it would be frustrating if they found no way to escape, even if he was here.

Only time would tell, she supposed.

The sad tone apparently wasn't enough to dent Fado's cheer, even given the situation, because the next minute he seemed right as rain. Actually, he seemed more concerned by the way Din trailed off.

"Are you OK?" Well gee Fado, it was only you that kind of made it a downer--

"It is concerning, but not a topic that should steal your sleep; a Hero comes where and when he is needed. Simply have a little faith."

"Oh, yes, I'm fine!" She shoots him a quick smile before her expression sobers again, becoming a little more thoughtful and a lot more serious.

It wasn't as though anything was wrong, per se - aside from the situation they found themselves in; that was undeniably wrong. "I was simply wondering what exactly the Hero would do, upon arrival. This is hardly the usual scenario."

There was a Ganondorf to struggle against, so that would be familiar, at the very least. But for once he wasn't the mastermind behind their hardships, and neither was Vaati or Demise. The Administrators were something else entirely, something outside of the cycle of death and rebirth that bound the Triforce Holders together.

"Hm..." The thought has him thinking a bit. True they were bound by destiny, but-- just as much as he was a fatalist for the will of the gods, the end did not make up the journey. Sometimes destiny had to improvise.

"You are correct; this is completely outside of the gods' designs. In that way it may be an omen for the worst-- but I do not think the Hero or his allies are necessarily doomed for it. Even outside of their regularities, the Hero will continue to display the same traits that make him the Hero: courage, compassion and a willingness to help those in need. Though our enemy's face has changed, not everything can be undone so easily."

Fortunately enough the floor was not half as bad as it had been a couple days ago. With Ganon's death at the top of the second tower, this floor along with all the other had been freed from the dark world curse-- But Fado may be able to sense the source of the lingering evil magic drawing closer.

As he arrived close from where Fado was standing, Ganondorf would look disdainfully upon the Kokiri. Last he remembered of him was when they infiltrated together the control room. His disappearance had been a good thing, as he wanted to keep secret from Zelda what events had transpired back then.

Ganondorf shook his head and couldn't help but chuckle lightly.

"What misery has the wind brought back between these walls..."

Oh he certainly sensed it approaching-- and he didn't require any guesses to figure out just what was the source. When he heard someone speak from behind, Fado immediately whipped around to meet him, a quiet look of distaste on his face.

"The wind blow whichever way they may choose; though what they stir up always has a purpose and a consequence, it is foolish to think a single gust could only wreak misery." OK, well that was a bit cheeky.

"Still working through your typical machinations, I see."

And as expected, the Sage had to be an annoying annoyance within thirty seconds of discussion. World record exploded, contestants can all go home. Cheeky indeed. But rather than be annoyed Ganondorf smiled and replied immediately, as if it was an as normal day and meeting as it could be.

"Obviously only one who's life has been confined to forests and temples could utter so much nonsense in so few words." Ganondorf said with well dosed sarcasm and a smile before continuing unto what Fado said next "Much like how a Bladesmith is expected to make the finest swords, we all have to accomplish what we can do within the best of our capabilities."

The fact that Ganondorf used Bladesmith as an example wasn't innocent. After all, Sages such as Fado were not so different from Bladesmith, granting to the Master Sword power to repel evil and demons.

"You and I are no different in that respect. However unlike yours, my 'typical machinations' are of my own accord, and not on the accord of some obscure deities that would use me as a puppet."

The hatred underlying behind the facade, can you feel it?

Oh, he felt it. And the feeling was certainly mutual; but just like a child would act like they were the king of the world, Fado spoke with a certain pride that almost erred towards smug.

"Perhaps to the untrained ear, but it would do you some good to spend some time in the forest yourself I would imagine. Years under the desert sun must have worn away your eardrums if all the trees tell you is nonsense.

"And yet it is upon the Bladesmith's shoulders the well-being of an entire offensive force and army, is it not? For without their reliable forgery, the soldiers have nothing to fight with." He folded both hands behind his back, his eternal grin somehow widening as if it was indeed an incredibly innocent conversation. "And it is by this armaments, ordained by the will of the gods that allows armies to succeed. Perhaps you need to look into a better smith?"

Cocky? Oh you better believe it-- after all, it was his power as a Sage that kept the Hero well-armed enough to defeat evil.

She knows that song.

Just barely. It feels like so long ago that she last heard it, she's tempted to write it off as a dream or hallucination of familiarity. But like that man in green, the song doesn't fade, and finally she gives up trying to ignore it and searches out its source.

To say her heart aches at the sight she finds is an understatement. Still, she quietly waits for a lull in the music to speak, and should the sage turn around, he'll see the Princess of Old Hyrule with tears pricking at the corners of her eyes and a smile on her lips.

"Fado..."

He lowers the violin as the music lulls, turning around to greet her with the ever-present smile on his face, and a quick (though full) bow.

"Your majesty. It's a pleasure to see you again."

It turned out, there were some definite pros to being returned to is place after all.

He wasn't so happy or so blind to not notice the pricking at her eyes, however, and though his smile remains, it's a bit more curious and wary than it was before. "Is everything well? Has something upset you?"

Okay, so. Fado?

She's just going to kneel in front of you and pull you into a hug, violin and all. Hope you're okay with that. She's gotten better (well, by some definition of the word) with physical contact since you've been gone.

"I had missed you."

"--!"

Her frankness-- and, well, outright willingness catches him by surprise. So at first, he doesn't quite know what to do about this or with himself. Something like this with the Royal Family years ago would've been strange, let alone all the years he spent as an intangible spirit.

But, it doesn't take long until he delicately places his violin and bow on the ground (which wasn't that hard to do carefully, given his short stature), and returns the hug for about as much as he could.

"...To say that I am glad to see you again would be an understatement. Though it is an honor-- I'm simply joyed to see you in such a well temper."

His words almost make her want to laugh. Perhaps she would, if she were a more bitter person. 'Well temper,' really? After all that has happened?

But, surprisingly, she doesn't; despite all the hardships she's been through, she is not so bitter just yet. Instead, she simply hums in agreement, giving her fellow sage one last squeeze before falling back on her heels.

"... It has been hectic, recently, but I suppose I can say I have been doing what I can to keep myself together."

She has a reason to, now.

"What of you? Are you well, Fado?"

Hectic, hm? Having a particular amount of activity in this place was never really a good thing...

"Of course-- I have to say, it is a bit discouraging to be swept around so much, especially from the Temple yet again. But it seems regardless I can always find a friend-- and perhaps another use, if there is anything you would ever need of me." A bit of a downcast note as he starts, but there's no real trace that he's lying or too upset about it.

"...But despite my initial impressions, it does not seem you are doing as well as I."

[Demons are also often older than they look, or act.

Zett had a higher perch on one of the rocks in the cavern, and his jumping off into a pool caused a big splash that might catch Fado in it as well as himself.]

Ooops~ [He didn't sound very apologetic.]

[Sure enough, he was caught, and Fado reflexively curled his fingers around the crystal and threw his hands up in front of his fast to protect himself from the oncoming splash.

Though when it settles, he lowers his arms and continues smiling, despite himself.]

Something tells me you're not very apologetic at all, my friend! [And further in spite of himself, he laughs.]

How'd you guess?

[Only the fact that you're still grinning, Zett.]

Pretend as you may, but many are more transparent than you think.

[Though he's pretty sure this guy isn't even trying. Nevertheless, he stands up with the crystal still grasped in his hand (not that he stood much taller), and made a motion of trying to brush the loose water off his tunic.]

You're probably going to have to hang that up to dry.

[Even if he doesn't have any spares. Zett shrugs, finds a stray crystal to pick up.]

What's with these, anyway?

Hmm... The answer to that still eludes me. [He held up the crystal again, between his thumb and forefinger, to examine it once more.]

As I imagine, like everything in this place it likely defies explanation, possessing a logic that is unknown to those from outside this world.

As long as they aren't dangerous, I don't mind not understanding them. They're pretty.

[That's all that really matters.]

[The thought makes him chuckle in amusement.]

A simplistic, though elegant understand. I cannot fault it; to some degree the mystery behind them makes them even more interesting. To solve it would almost take the magic away.

I'm no scientist. Even if everything before me doesn't make sense, I know it's there and that's usually enough.

Nor I-- though curiosity often gets the better of many, even if they are not a particular scholar.

A guy could get in trouble poking his head around too much in the tower. Sounds like fun, though.

One could get in trouble for that anywhere-- but living in ignorance is not a very good plan, is it?

Nope. Guess I'll have to deal with the consequences.

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Carrying an Ancient Tune

Floor 100

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SO ARE YOU DONE EDITTING YET

SHHH IT'S NOT MY FAULT THE WORDS LOOK SO SIMILAR

not even close to similar tbqh

they both start with "m" and end in "ian"

still laughing

Shhhhhhh

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Floor 73

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101 yeee

unsure if ready or not but we're doing it anyway

we're doin' this, man

i had this typed up for like two hours and never submitted it my b

psh look at me with my two day late tags

it's ok i'm not much better

Floor 99

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