My father's court was abuzz. A new general, who was also the chief of the Gerudo and the only male among them, had arrived. Only my father, King Rhoam of Hyrule, and his closest advisers knew his name. The man's secret had been kept well and for many years. Now he would appear at a ball tonight in his honor. Father had requested I dress particularly nicely for this stranger of an even stranger land.

Impa and I started preparations right after lunch. To her insistence, we applied rouge to my cheeks and lips, but very lightly. As she laced up my corset, which is PAINFUL, we chatted. "What do you think this general will be?" The distraction was welcomed, as my teeth were starting to ache from the gritting, "I have heard he is tall. Presumably he shares red hair, tanned skin, and muscles of other Gerudo. Other than that, I can't say." She tightened the laces one last time, causing me to gasp, before tying them off and mentioning, "According to my sources, he is a great tactician and warrior." Not only was Impa my personal handmaid and guard, but also the Spymaster for Hyrule Castle. How she found time to train and sift through confidential, I could not tell you.

Over my corset, ridiculous petticoats, and linen underskirts, went a blue and quick silver iridescent gown. It brushed the floor and had sheer sleeves, becoming sold over my hands and connected on both sides to silver rings on my middle fingers. The neckline was modest, save for the small amount of cleavage shown by a sheer panel. The ends of my sleeves and the edges of my skirt brushing the floor were embossed with Lady Nayru, goddess of Wisdom and her swirling fogs. My semi gloves covered the Triforce tattooed on the back of my right hand. Father had decided not to reveal my ownership of the Triforce of Wisdom to uneasy allies. Impa braided my hair tightly and love the side of my head (for the modern reader, cornrows, similar to Anna Kendrick's in Pitch Perfect). Finally, Impa coaxed my feet into a velvet pair of high heels, four inches tall and decorated with light swirls of that mysterious fog, rendered in pure silver thread.

Apparently I was tardy, as guests were milling around the ballroom when I arrived. My heels click-clacked as I wobbled down the staircase. One hand on the banister and the other holding up excess skirts. I couldn't afford to embarrass Father by falling tonight. I prayed no one would notice me, but I am the only princess of Hyrule. The room went silent, save for my damned heels. The blasted things were loud as a horse clip-clopping its way down the cobblestones. That's when I saw him.

-NOTES-

Hi there, you can call me Alice! This is my first "published" work ever! I have written a few more stories, but all are in my notebooks, written in something as indecipherable as ancient Gerudo. My own handwriting. I've written most of this particular story so far (I have fourteen pages written) in one night. Anxiety and insomnia are my two closest friends, what can I say? This story is probably terrible, and will most likely be rewritten in the future, but right now, I'M SUPER PROUD OF MYSELF! I've got a certain fight scene planned, and am planned to add in a little cameo somewhere. That should keep you guys busy, if anyone else is actually reading this. I mostly write fics because I want to read something like it by a much better author but can't find anything. Now then, I'm hungry. If you will excuse me, I must be off to lunch. My goldfish and lunch meat await.

Love,

Alice!