So I finally got the courage to post this. Basically, this will kind of be like journal entries for Nabooru post OoT. In other words, this is my take on what happened to Nabooru and the Gerudo after the events of Ocarina of Time.

I hope you enjoy it!

Home after all these years.

I closed my eyes as I stood before the entrance of Gerudo Fortress. The sand beneath my feet, the rays of the desert sun beating down on my tan skin, the wind blowing through my crimson hair…all beloved aspects of my life that had been stolen from me for seven years. However, even more criminal was being separated from my people. I had devoted my life to them, both by protecting them and doing my very best to give them a better life. But one misstep with our king at the time brought my life and plans to screeching halt…

However, what happened between me and the former king is not the most pressing matter on my mind. Returning to the Gerudo after all this time (at least I think I have not been around for the entire duration of my brainwashing) will be no easy task, especially if the women are aware of my betrayal. Our duty as Gerudo is to serve the Goddess of the Sand, our king, and our people.

I broke that code, and my sisters could be quite unforgiving.

Not to mention the fact that I almost could not return to this realm. After the Hero of Time broke the spell that had been cast on me, I had been awakened as the Sage of Spirit. The six of us were initially meant to remain in the Chamber of the Sages, performing our duties from there. However, since all of us held prominent positions in our respective communities, we formed an agreement: we would live out our lives normally, and when we "die," we would return to the Chamber of the Sages and continue our work there.

While I am grateful for this decision, I know that my rank among the Gerudo will never be as it was. Before the brainwashing, I held the position of Ganondorf's Second in Command. Because he has been sealed away, I would normally take on the duties of leader. But I know I cannot do that after I had betrayed the king and in turn my people as well. My plan is to explain to the Gerudo everything that happened and then retire to the Spirit Temple. As much as I wanted to remain among my people, I knew that after they knew the truth, I would not be accepted again.

Mustering up the rest of my courage, I strode through the narrow passageway leading to the fortress then up the stairs. When I reached the top, it seemed everything stopped at once, from casual conversations to training sessions, and a silence so prominent I swear I could have touched it fell over the women. All eyes were on me as I nervously shifted my weight. I was not sure if I should prepare for an attack or some kind of welcome.

"Nabooru?!"

The unmistakable voice of the woman I had chosen to be my own second cause me to whip my head in the direction of the sound. Sure enough, Aveil vaulted herself across the sand and pulled me into a bone-crushing hug. Aveil had always stood a few inches shorter than me, even as children. She wore her usual red outfit, signifying her rank, and her red hair was pulled back in its usual ponytail, an amber jewel holding it in place. "Where have you been?" she questioned as she held me at arm's length. I could not help but notice that she did not look a day older than I remember, and I began to wonder if I looked seven years older. "It has been at least two years since you've been to the fortress."

So I had not been cooped up in the Spirit Temple for the entire seven years. A knot formed in the pit of my stomach and I swallowed the lump that formed in my throat. What all had I done then?

Before I could answer, Aveil began shuffling me toward the fortress, shouting to the other women to stop ogling and return to their duties. She led me to the now empty dining hall and sat me down at a table, taking a seat across from me. "So what happened? It's like you disappeared for a while."

"Well, in all honesty, I kind of did." When my friend's expression became one of confusion, I shook my head. "Listen, I need to speak with everyone. It's really important and about what has been going on."

Aveil gave me a pleading look and folded her hands on the table. "Nabooru, I am speaking to you as your best friend, not your second. Just tell me something. I know Ganondorf sent you on some top secret mission, but you can at least let me know something. Just between us?" She smirked slightly and winked at me.

I fought the urge to roll my eyes at her explanation. Typical. Ganondorf would make up some lie to help keep his reputation among the Gerudo untarnished. Such an act as having another Gerudo brainwashed is unheard of and practically forbidden among our people. Our lives are not easy as it is, and it is in our best interest to work together, not make enemies of each other. Because of this sense of community, crimes against each other are particularly frowned upon in Gerudo society, especially where the king is involved.

I sighed softly and looked into Aveil's eyes. "That's just it. Ganondorf never sent me on any top secret mission." I paused, wondering just how much they knew about the current state of things. Did they even know of their king's fate yet? "The truth is I have been brainwashed for the past seven years thanks to those sorceresses Koume and Kotake."

I could tell Aveil was having a tough time keeping herself from laughing which caused me to frown in frustration. "Nabs, no offense, but that's a little ridiculous. I mean, you came around here and seemed perfectly normal to me."

"You just have to trust me," I groaned, my gaze locked on hers. "I remember nothing from the past seven years because I was brainwashed to do Ganondorf's bidding. Test me with something if you really don't believe me."

Aveil's ever-present smile vanished at that point and the mischievous glint in her eyes disappeared. "Well, there is one thing I know you would never forget…" My friend fell silent for a moment, as if attempting to find the right words. "Something you would never forget that would happen in the last seven years…your mother's passing."

With those few words I felt my heart break. My mouth became drier than the desert, and I felt tears begin to form at the corner of my eyes. "N-no…that can't be true…" I stammered, stubbornly wiping the tears from my eyes. "I…how?"

Eyes widening for a moment, Aveil shook her head, mumbling, "Well, you must be telling the truth if you really don't remember that." Her gaze fell on me, her expression apologetic. "She became ill about five years ago. The healers couldn't cure her and…" There was no need for her to finish her statement; I understood.

I am not sure what part of this news hurt me most: the fact that I missed being beside my mother in her time of need or that my relationship with her had never been the greatest. The largest strain on our relationship was our conflicting views on my future. She always wanted me to settle down, but my dream to become an elite warrior was far more important to me. This meant constantly honing my skills, participating in and leading raids, and even taking on dangerous missions. Children were not on my to do list, and marriage definitely was not for the most part…at first, anyway.

"I'm sorry, Nabooru," Aveil whispered gently, placing a hand on mine. She then stood, her expression remaining solemn. "But I will gather the rest of the tribe so you may speak to us." She then made her way to the exit, glancing back at me one last time before leaving.

I remained at the table and buried my face in my hands. Salty tears finally began to leak from my eyes. I don't know why I could not believe that my mother had passed. I suppose she had always seemed immortal to me. Perhaps I was simply too young to think of my mother's death back then…

After a few moments, I quickly pulled myself together. I would have plenty of time to mourn during my solitude in the Spirit Temple.