Chapter 7 - Gerudo Town

Summary: Link and Mipha journey to Gerudo Town as the first step to wrest Divine Beast Vah Naboris from Ganon's control.

Link awoke early the next morning at Tabantha Bridge Stable to the bleating of sheep and the light patter of rain against the stable roof. The other guests, including Mipha, were all still asleep. Link quietly made his way outside and lit the cooking pot, the rain too light to hinder a fire. He began cooking elixirs to have ready for the rest of the journey.

Link always carried an assortment of ingredients he picked up during his travels throughout Hyrule and added to them as the opportunity arose. As part of his survival training, he had learned quite a few recipes, including those for the elixirs he was preparing now. He made several doses each of Chilly, Electro, Hearty and Spicy elixirs and stored them in his pack. The desert they were headed to presented the challenge of being both hot and cold as well as harboring an assortment of enemies, including electric ones. They elixirs might come in handy, though he wasn't sure if they worked as well for Zoras as they did for Hylians. Maybe some did, and some didn't.

The rain had stopped as he was finishing the last one, a Hearty elixir, when Mipha joined him. She looked well rested and smiled at him as she wished him a good morning. Perfect timing! Link had some food left, and he cooked enough for both of them. Then they sat down to eat together. You could see Medoh clearly to the Northwest, its red targeting beacon aimed directly at Hyrule Castle.

"I'm willing to go Hylian this morning," laughed Mipha as she ate the food Link prepared. "Will you go Zora sometime?"

"Sorry, but I just can't eat raw fish," laughed Link. "I just can't do it. I'll eat any kind of fish cooked, but raw just turns my stomach."

"I'm just teasing you," laughed Mipha. "But I think your stomach must be used to turning. Do you remember when you visited me I would ask if you were hungry? And sometimes you would tell me no, you had just eaten. And when I asked you what you ate, the meal you described would turn a Bokoblin away in disgust."

"Well, I did experiment in the wild quite a bit, and not all of my dishes turned out as expected," laughed Link. "I will be the first to admit that culinary ability is not my strong point. But some of my dishes weren't too bad, and I did learn from experience. I did get better over time."

"Luckily what you prepared this morning is palatable," said Mipha. "What are our travel plans for today?"

"I hope we can reach Gerudo Canyon Stable by this evening," said Link. "It's a long ride. Our first stop should be Sanidin Park to rest and water the horses, then we can have a late lunch at Outskirt Stable. You should probably get in some water time at Aquame Lake when we get there. From there it will be a long ride all the way to Gerudo Canyon Stable where we can spend the night. Tomorrow we travel on foot to the Kara Kara Bazaar and Gerudo Town and probably the day after that, take on Naboris."

"Sounds fine," said Mipha. "I slept well and feel ready for a long day. But I hope you're feeling better, Link. You sounded depressed last night."

"Yes, I do feel better," said Link. "I started feeling sorry for myself last night, but I realized later I had no reason to. Nobody's life is perfect, but mine has been more blessed than many. I have met and known the most wonderful people in Hyrule. And I have the honor to serve the Goddess in a very special way. I realize that it is up to me to find purpose and happiness in life after my task is done, and it will be my own fault if I don't."

"I'm glad," said Mipha. "And I think you're right. You should trust in your future. I have always followed my heart. If you follow yours, I believe it will steer you well and bring you happiness."

"I hope so," said Link. "But first we need to finish what we started. Shall we go?"

Link retrieved their horses, and they were on their way. You could see Hyrule Castle in the distance to their left, now targeted by three Divine Beast beams. Birds fluttered out of their way as they followed the road that ran south of the Seres Scablands, and at the fork in the road by the West Hyrule Plains, they turned south. Then they crossed the bridge and gave their horses a little exercise with a gallop across the Nima Plain until they slowed as they approached Sanidin Park. They dismounted there, fed and watered the horses, then left them to graze as they stretched their legs. The earlier rain had given way to a mild but slightly overcast morning.

"We can just take a short rest here," said Link as he looked across the area. And as he scanned the nearby field, something caught his attention. A few wild horses were grazing there, but among them was a white horse with a saddle and bridle, and a brown horse next to it that looked very familiar.

"Mipha, that looks like Epona and Princess Zelda's horse over there," said Link excitedly as he pointed to them. "If I can get a little closer I can call Epona."

Link jumped on his horse and rode toward the other two, then Mipha could hear him whistle. The horse Link thought was Epona suddenly looked up and neighed in an answer. Then it nuzzled the white horse next to it and pushed it in Link's direction. The white horse must have understood because both horses now galloped toward Link. He dismounted and waited as Epona rode up to him, neighed again, and let Link pet her on the neck. The white horse that stood next to Epona was clearly Princess Zelda's. He recognized the royal bridle outfit it wore.

"How have you been, girl?" said Link as he gently patted Epona. "I missed you. But now we're together again."

He fetched two apples from his pack and gave one each to Epona and Zelda's horse. Then he led the three horses back to Sanidin Park.

"You found Epona!" said Mipha. "That's wonderful, Link! And it looked like Epona was taking care of the Princess's horse."

"Yes, isn't that amazing? Like master like horse. Things are looking up! I'll ride Epona from now on," said Link. "We can leave Princess Zelda's horse at Outskirt Stable. It will be well taken care of there."

It was time to go, and their ride was a bit slower as they rode two horses and led the other two. After rounding Safula Hill and crossed the Regencia River, and it was early afternoon by the time they finally reached Outskirt Stable.

"I'll get in some water time and catch our lunch while you deal with the horses," said Mipha as she headed for Aquame Lake.

Link spoke with the stable master and explained the horse situation. He was returning one horse and boarding the white horse.

"You understand that this is the Princess of Hyrule's own horse and needs to receive the best of care," said Link. "You will be fairly compensated for your work."

"Yes, sir, I understand that, and I promise to take excellent care of it," said the stable master. "It is an honor to board such a special horse. And it is a beauty, isn't it? I have never seen such a pure white horse!"

Link waited by the cooking pot for Mipha's return, which she did a short time later along with two fresh fish that formed their lunch.

"I feel refreshed now," said Mipha smiling. "I think I can handle the long ride ahead."

"Then we should get going," said Link.

They mounted their horses, Link now riding Epona. He patted her fondly on the neck.

"I won't lose you," said Link.

"Are you speaking to Epona or me?" laughed Mipha.

"Both I hope," said Link.

After leaving the stable they followed the road a short distance southeast, then at the junction took the road that led west and then south to the Digdogg Suspension Bridge. And it was there, right in the middle of the bridge, that they found a giant Hinox blocking the path.

"You or I?" said Link as they both dismounted.

"Why not both?" said Mipha. "I'll shoot its eye, and you handle the close combat."

"Let's go, Princess," said Link.

An arrow woke it up, and with the two of them attacking, the battle was a short one. Link could remain closer to the Hinox and get in some strong spin attacks while Mipha blinded it with arrows. The Hinox was soon finished off leaving behind a collection of body parts and an assortment of weapons. Link picked up what he thought they could use, then they mounted their horses and continued on their way.

"I gather you've had to fight a Hinox before?" said Link as they rode on.

"Yes," said Mipha. "There was a very annoying one by Ralis Pond."

"Prince Ralis," said Link. "There's a name that brings back memories of one of my predecessors. I tried learning what I could about the heroes of legend."

"You know about Prince Ralis?" said Mipha. "It forms a partly sad piece of Zora history as well. His mother, Queen Rutela, was brutally murdered by one of Ganon's minions. His father had already died years earlier. The Prince was very young to become Zora King, but he is remembered as a fine ruler. And it was said he credited your predecessor's future wife with saving his life and your predecessor himself for helping him mature and face up to his responsibility. Prince Ralis's situation reminds me of Princess Zelda's. Her mother died years earlier, and now her father has been killed by Ganon. And she will also be a very young ruler as Queen. I pray she will also be a fine one."

They entered the Gerudo Canyon. The road wound between tall yellow and orange sandstone walls with occasional stone arches along the route. They passed a Bokoblin here and there, but there was no point wasting time to deal with it. At several places, they had to dodge some falling boulders, but they were easy to navigate around. It was getting late in the day, and the shadows were lengthening. Link noticed Mipha start to sag in her saddle.

"Mipha, are you all right?" said Link as he pulled Epona next to her.

"I'm starting to feel weak. I need to get to water soon," said Mipha.

"We're close now," said Link. "Hang on."

Link took the reins of her horse in one hand and then urged Epona and her horse into a faster gallop. The road curved to the west as they passed under the last Stone arch and could see the light from the stable ahead. He galloped into the stable, then dismounted and helped Mipha dismount from her horse. He shouted to the stable master to take care of their horses, he would be right back.

"Come on, we just need to climb a bit, I'll help you," said Link.

Mipha climbed with Link assisting her until they reached a pool of water just behind one of the ancient shrines. The orange glow from the activated shrine lit up the surrounding area. Mipha collapsed into the pool and lay down in the water as Link stayed by her side.

"Are you going to be all right?" said Link.

"Yes, the water feels good," said Mipha. "I underestimated how long the trip here would take."

"No, it's my fault for not pushing the pace to get here sooner," said Link. "I'm sorry. I'll stay with you until you feel well enough. Or do you want to sleep in the water here? I don't mind standing guard."

The stars had come out by now in the clear night sky. The air was quite dry here at the entrance to the great Gerudo Desert.

"You're taking care of me now?" said Mipha as she smiled at him. "That's a nice feeling."

"Yes, and it's about time after all you've done for me," said Link. "We'll be fine here."

"No, that won't be necessary," said Mipha. "Just give me about an hour to soak here, and then we can sleep at the stable. You need to be rested, not spending all night looking out for me. But thank you."

Link stood up and looked around, making sure they were safe. He thought he saw an electric Keese in the distance, but it didn't approach them and flapped off down the canyon and away from the stable.

"We should get an early start tomorrow before the sun is too high in the sky," said Link. "It's about an hour walk from here to the Kara Kara Bazaar and the heat can get unbearable later in the day. Then it's a few hours walk from there to Gerudo Town. It's slow going in the sand unless I can catch some Sand Seals, but that's not easy. So, I think we should wait at the Bazaar until late in the afternoon when it cools off before heading to Gerudo Town. You can relax all day in the water at the Bazaar. I want to make sure you're refreshed enough for the trip."

After about an hour Mipha said she felt fine. They made their way down to the stable and Link booked two beds and took care of the fee for the horses. They would be traveling on foot the rest of their time here, or by Sand Seal, if they could.

"Good night and thank you," said Mipha as she gave Link that smile of hers that made him feel warm inside. "You were my savior."

"It was my pleasure," said Link smiling back. "Good night."

It had been a long day, and they both soon fast asleep, Link to the memory of her smile.

Link had left word with the landlord to be woken up first thing in the morning, and after a quick breakfast, they were both ready to walk to the Bazaar. You could see it in the distance as they headed south along the path. A solitary Gerudo going the opposite way nodded at them. They did not encounter any enemies along the way, and the day was just starting to heat up when they reached the Kara Kara Bazaar. Mipha wasted no time heading for the water.

"Swim with me?" said Mipha. She had long since dispensed with the warm Rito clothing from earlier and dove in.

"Love to!" said Link. He took off his tunic and trousers and waded in. The water was refreshing, having picked up a chill from the cold night air. It would get warmer by the afternoon, as the desert cycle of hot days and cold nights continued.

He swam next to Mipha, who was floating on her back, and then he did the same. It was quite pleasant here, a gentle breeze now and then stirring the leaves of the surrounding palm trees and making a soft clicking sound. Merchants had already set up their booths, and a few people were milling about inspecting their merchandise. Whatever had happened in Hyrule, life went on here. He could make out a sandstorm off in the distance to the East.

"You like it here?" said Mipha as they floated next to each other.

"It has a unique beauty," said Link. "So, yes, I do. The desert can be harsh on you, of course, so you need to be prepared. But it can also be serene and peaceful. And its harshness makes the beauty of the flowers that do grow here all the more striking by contrast. In fact, the Gerudo consider themselves to be like a desert flower. There is an ancient inscription in their Chief's throne room that says something like the Gerudo people are like a strong desert flower facing the sun. Like the desert flower, they are both beautiful and powerful."

"You saw their throne room?" said Mipha. "I've been meaning to ask you how you were able to enter Gerudo Town. My understanding is men are forbidden there."

"Yes, Voe as they call men are forbidden, only Vai, women, are permitted into town," said Link. "But Urbosa taught me a trick back when I was trying to keep an eye on Princess Zelda. I can dress up as a Vai, and it fools the guards."

"Seriously?" said Mipha. "I can't wait to see that!"

"But promise me you won't laugh or draw attention to me," said Link. "The Gerudo guards are pretty rough and take their job very seriously. I tried to sneak into town once by climbing a wall and got thrown out on my ear. You've got to pretend you're a visiting Zora Princess and I'm a Hylian Vai traveling with you to help you cope with the lack of water here."

"The first part shouldn't be too hard, but you have to give me a little time getting used to the second," laughed Mipha. "But I promise to take it seriously. I know why we're here."

They floated together in silence, enjoying the morning. It was almost midday when Link spoke up.

"I hate to keep coming back to something," said Link. "But I would feel much better if you would let me handle Naboris on my own. I have a bad feeling about Naboris and how electricity might hurt you. Can you please seriously think about it?"

"I know you mean well," said Mipha. "But I came with you to help you. You think I could live with myself knowing something happened to you while I stayed safe? And then what would happen to my people and all of Hyrule?"

"And I couldn't live with myself knowing you came to harm trying to help me," said Link.

"Then let us go into battle, do our best, and pray we have the victory together," said Mipha. "But if it is my fate to fall in battle helping you to victory, I will die happy knowing I did all I could for you and for my people. That was always my goal in piloting Ruta. Maybe my fate is indeed to end like the others, just differently. But if so, I am still grateful for this extra time we have had together. And then I pray you and the Princess will carry on to save my people and to save and rebuild the beautiful land of Hyrule together. And then we will have won."

"Please don't talk of falling in battle, Mipha, please just don't," said Link as he righted himself in the water. "You may say that then we will have won, but it will be a very bittersweet victory, a hollow victory for me if it ends with you not there to share it. I don't want to think of it. I refuse to believe that will happen."

Link paused for a moment.

"Let's turn to something happier," said Link. "Are you hungry? I think lunch might help."

Mipha laughed.

"Food was always the best cure for your mood," laughed Mipha. "Yes, by all means, let's eat. Then I want to see how cute a Vai you are."

They swam back to shore and Link prepared two dishes for them. Then they took their food and sat leaning against two palm trees on the west side of the pool of water. The air was hot now with only an occasional breeze, and it was a relief to sit in the shade of the trees as the sun made its way lower in the sky behind them. After lunch, they relaxed in the shade a while longer, and then it was time to go.

"I'll change behind the inn over there," said Link. "And I'm already embarrassed enough. Please don't make it worse by laughing too hard. Can you meet me over there by the start of the road, so it's less obvious?"

"Of course," said Mipha.

Link went off to the far side of the inn, checked no one was looking, then changed into the Gerudo Vai outfit he had picked up the last time he was here. Then he made his way back to where he saw Mipha standing.

But Mipha wasn't paying him any attention. He walked right up to her.

"Oh, hello," said Mipha. "Have you seen my friend anywhere? He is also a Hylian with blond hair and blue eyes, about the same color as yours. He was here a moment ago."

"Very funny," said Link. "But at least you're not laughing."

"I'm not the best judge of Hylian Vai," said Mipha. "But you look nice. How do you eat with that veil on?"

"Very carefully or not at all," said Link. "It's a pain. Shall we go?"

The sun was lower in the sky, but the air and sand were still hot. They made their way along the road. There were few other travelers, just an occasional Gerudo jogging to the Bazaar. There was an occasional cactus ripe with Voltfruit along the way, but no flowers.

And it was when they were less than an hour from Gerudo Town that suddenly a wave of sand rapidly approached them, and an Electric Lizalfos jumped out, hissing angrily at them. You could see the glow of its horn as it hopped back and forth, preparing to strike. Link pushed Mipha behind him and prepared to do battle. Link hated these kinds of enemies. Their electric attack could cause your weapons to drop, leaving you defenseless to a follow-up attack. Link had drawn his sword, and his shield was raised. The Lizalfos paused in its dance and prepared to strike when it was struck by an Ice Arrow and froze in place. Mipha had hit it squarely in the face. Link rushed forward and attacked while it was frozen, knocking it to the ground. Then he repeated his attack. The Lizalfos groaned and disappeared leaving its tail, horn, and weapons in the sand.

"Nice shot," said Link.

"I told you I could help," said Mipha.

They continued down the road and reached the Gerudo Town entrance with no further incident. A shrine glowed orange to the right of the gate.

The two guards looked at them in surprise as they approached the entrance.

"Sav'saaba! A Zora? Here?" said one of the guards. "This is a first! But these are strange times."

"We come to meet with your Chief about Naboris," said Mipha. "We need to discuss how best to deal with Ganon."

"Very well, you may enter," said the guard. "But our Chief is missing, and so you will need to meet with her second in command for now."

The guard let them pass. It was already evening now.

"We should get dinner then rest at the inn and meet with whoever is in charge tomorrow morning," said Link as they walked into the torchlit plaza.

Most shops were still open, but some were closed for the night. A few people were conversing together, and some stopped to stare at the two of them. But no one bothered them. There would be time for more interaction tomorrow.

Link purchased some meat from one of the merchants, then led the way to where some cooking pots were kept and started cooking dinner as Mipha looked around.

"After dinner, I can rest under that waterfall over there for a bit," said Mipha pointing to one of the aqueducts adjoining the Chief's residence.

"Yes, certainly," said Link. "I've climbed around here a little, and no one seemed to mind.

"The architecture is interesting," said Mipha. "It fits the environment here very well. And it's nice to see there is plenty of water."

"Yes, there is an underground spring here of some kind," said Link as they finished their meal.

Mipha and Link made their way to the side of the Chief's residence and climbed up until Mipha could sit under the waterfall.

"Ah, this feels good!" said Mipha.

"Do you want to sleep here?" said Link. "I won't need to guard you, it's quite safe inside the city walls."

"No, I'll stay with you at the inn," said Mipha.

After Mipha felt sufficiently refreshed, they walked to the Hotel Oasis. The innkeeper at the desk seemed quite excited to see them.

"A Zora and a Hylian!" said the innkeeper. "This is a good sign! Tourism must be improving. Besides an excellent jewelry store, we offer a top-rated spa plan here that is quite rejuvenating. The spa plan normally costs 80 rupees, but as a gesture of good will and in hopes you will let others know of your experience, I am including the spa plan at no extra cost with your normal room rate of 20 rupees."

"Um, would it be alright if I refused the spa treatment?" said Link in as high a pitched voice as he could manage.

"Oh, please forgive my friend and her lack of manners," said Mipha to the innkeeper. "She is very shy, aren't you dear? But we are all Vai here. Just relax and enjoy the treatment. You will feel much the better for it tomorrow."

"Your friend is right," said the innkeeper.

The less he said, the better, as he was sure he hardly sounded like a Vai. He gave Mipha a look but thought the veil hid most of it. And Mipha was ignoring him anyway, smiling with apparent enjoyment at his discomfort. Link consented, and the last thing he remembered before falling asleep was the masseuse commenting on how muscular she was. Mipha and her sense of humor!