Nabooru smiled as she walked down the hall with Ruby. It was impossible to stay sullen when a very jolly Gerudo was relating her experience with stealing milk. Nabooru almost giggled as she bumped into Taint, who seemed in a very good mood herself. The three were quite merry when they entered the throne room and all congregated around the throne. A Gerudo entered from the other end to relate her problem as Isle stood sullenly in a corner. Taint and Ruby walked up to the girl and were discussing some vivid problem as Nabooru suddenly looked around puzzled. She walked over to Isle and tried to place her question.
"Where did….he go?" she asked painfully as Isle lifted her head up from the position of servitude.
"I don't think he will be back for a while" Isle replied.
Nabooru absorbed the news as she nodded her head. She turned away from Isle to walk back to the throne. Nabooru watched Taint and Ruby continue their conversation as she looked up to the throne. And then, Nabooru slowly slipped into the comfortable chair as she clapped her hands for attention. "So" she said, "Let's commence".
Nabooru's gaze remained unfazed as numerous Gerudos approached her with their reports. It seemed as though she were calm, but every time someone gazed into her eyes there remained a glimmer of something that no one could quite comprehend. Nabooru seemed peaceful, but it was obvious at the end of that day that something was wrong. Everyone could feel that someone was missing.
Perched on a flat rooftop, a chilly wind ruffled Isle's bright red hair. Soft footsteps behind her made Isle turn to see Nabooru approaching from behind her. Nabooru sat down along side Isle as the two looked over the fortress together.
Isle took one last look around before murmuring, "Everyone can tell he is gone Nabooru." Nabooru nodded in response as she looked to see two young Gerudos playing a game along the lower dusty streets. "But what everyone can not say, Nabooru, is where is has gone to".
Nabooru continued to watch the two young Gerudos, they continued their game until suddenly, a group of the younger Gerudos walked out of a nearby building.
"Nabooru, I need to ask you something" Isle said turning her gaze to face Nabooru's blank expression. The older of the two playing Gerudos stopped giggling with the younger, she turned to see the group approaching. Isle started talking slower, "Do you…" The older Gerudo pushed the younger to the ground as she got up and walked towards the group.
Nabooru didn't even wait for Isle to finish the question, "Don't ask me where Ganondorf is, Isle" she said sounding rushed, "you and I both know where he is, in fact I'm sure the entire fortress knows exactly where he is". Isle looked down as she closed her eyes. Nabooru didn't respond after that.
The next day Nabooru walked around doing her duties as she normally did. She easily controlled the Gerudo fortress and no one questioned her immediate regaining of power. As the day entered the early afternoon, it started to seem almost normal again. That was until a ragged looking messenger from the outside was thrown into the throne room. Slipping easily into the throne, Nabooru looked at the messenger questioningly.
"I" he said while swallowing, "have come with news from Hyrule".
The guards at post by the throne rolled their eyes as he continued.
"We have received word from the border lands of an apparent rise to power…The rapidly growing band of thieves are threatening attack".
Nabooru flicked her wrist in disinterest, "If they are planning on attacking, then why weren't we sent a threat letter as well".
"Well" the guard said shakily still being surrounded by multiple Gerudo guards, "That is what I am here for. The king and his counsel as well as the sages believe it has something to do with you Gerudos. Mainly Ganondorf."
Nabooru frowned, "preposterous, we have nothing to do with it. If you are suggesting that we are planning an attack on Hyrule then you are extremely mistaken, we do not currently partake in any of our king's doings."
The messenger shook his head vigorously as the guards began to approach him, "Err um, the sages are calling a meeting" he said worriedly. Nabooru rolled her eyes a him as two guards both grabbed his arms. "Finished" one said in a harsh tone. Without waiting for a reply, they threw him out.
Approaching Nabooru from the side, Renova placed her hand softly on the throne's armrest.
"Nabooru" she said softly, "I know you seem to have had enough bad news already, but the prisoner is requesting you speak to him".
Shrugging, Nabooru stepped off of the throne and followed Renova down the hall. Sure enough, the prisoner waited inside a small holding room looking extremely down.
"Yes" she said entering the room and closing the door.
"Well" he said slowly, "I guess first I should thank you, this prison is far nicer than the previous dungeon, and it doesn't feel even half as cold and lonely".
Nabooru's face remained straight and stern as he continued. "What I would like you to beseech me still, is a possible release completely from captivity".
Nabooru's eyes flickered to life as she smiled slyly, "oh really" she said, "but that would ruin my reputation as a Gerudo now wouldn't it".
The man gritted his teeth in frustration, "I would really appreciate it if you did though". Nabooru smiled, "sorry, but at the same time I probably won't see you the next time I come in here as it is". He looked at her confused for a moment as she tossed her head towards the nearby window and made her exit. It was then that he realized that his cell was the same one Link had previously been in.
Standing at the entrance to the Gerudo fortress bridge the waiting guard sighed, it wasn't her turn anymore to keep watch and yet her replacement was late again. She gritted her teeth as the sun slowly went down. She looked up to the sky in frustration before stomping her foot and walking off, not caring that she was committing a high crime.
Dashing from around a stone corner, Jason appeared tired and breathing heavily. He took a running start and made it over the bridge. Finally he thought to himself as he walked across safely on the other side, "I'm free".
Entering the palace gates, Jason was not surprised to receive a rough welcome. The guards treated him with much disrespect.
He stood at the gates and watched, "I um, would like some help with something" he said as the guard at the gate looked him over.
"Well I'm sorry sir, but the royal family will not be bothered right now with the business of any ruffians".
Jason's eyes showed no signs of giving up "I realize I look a little well traveled right now but that still does not change my status to that of a ruffian".
The guard laughed a haughty laugh as Jason gritted his teeth. "If knew who I was or what I had been through then you would let me in right now."
"Well sir, if your appearance has anything to say about you, I would definitely continue your title of "ruffian"".
Around the guard and Jason at the palace gates was a small crowd of villagers who were yelling at the other guard on duty. An especially rude one pushed past Jason to grab a hold of the guard and yell at the guard's face.
Jason closed his eyes for a second in frustration before pushing past the rude girl. "Excuse me SIR" he said in annoyance, "But I am Jason Marx the second, the last remaining heir to the Hyrule's border land country of Forresiten and if you will so kindly move I would like to speak with your council".
The guard laughed as he spoke, "Oh a prince! Why you are by far the dirtiest prince I've ever met! Forresiten you say? I would be surprised if you had ever even taken a step in that land".
Jason reached his arm to his chest where he reached inside his torn shirt. Pulling out a chain, he let it slip onto his hand to reveal a charm. The guard looked down at it then pulled away in shock, it was the Forresiten castle's family crest.
Jason was led into the castle where he immediately took a bath. Cleaned and offered new clothing, he was finally able to talk to Hyrule's king. As he entered the throne room wearing his borrowed clothing he was quite surprised to find the far obese king sagging on the chair with his beautiful daughter waiting on guard on a throne next to him. Off to the side stood a young man with a fairy on his shoulder and a jewel encrusted sword attached to his belt. Jason didn't even have to guess who it was, Link.
Jason neared the throne in a bow before kissing the princess's hand, "hello Zelda" he said as she softly blushed before he reached forward and shook hands with the king. "I see we are now on formal grounds" he smiled, "So if you will please, I would like to explain my story".
The king nodded as Zelda spoke for him, "I see you have already had a brush with the Assassins, and the Gerudos, we would love to hear your story. As I know my father wishes to, may we please be entertained over dinner?"
Jason nodded as he looked to Link, "that would be lovely".
Link was not thinking kind thoughts as he looked at the handsome man standing near the throne, Jason was obviously a strong fighter and a charmer, competition for Zelda but at the same time a powerful ally. Link knew he needed Jason as a friend, and a friend who didn't know Zelda.
Back at the Gerudo fortress, Nabooru didn't even glance up as Ruby entered the room. "Has he left yet" she asked as Ruby opened her mouth.
"Yes" Ruby replied, "but you don't seem so surprised by that".
As the two exchanged laughing glances Isle burst into the room looking quite flustered.
"Nabooru!" she said, "the assassins, we have just received word…they have an army".
Nabooru stood up, "is he…".
Isle nodded, "He has joined one of the top positions of their army…"
Nabooru's eyes glazed over and for a long moment she did not speak. "I guess we should call a meeting then". Ruby tapped on Isle's shoulder as the two left the room.
Finally alone in her chambers, Nabooru threw herself on her bed and nearly cried in frustration.
The council didn't say much as they gathered themselves in the long hall. Ruby tossed out her map accurately marked with the locations her scouts had found the assassins to be in. Lyiamere and Cere worked as the usual team they put together and started pointing and discussing the locations. Taint and Semalie were talking amongst themselves as well with occasional glances at the map. Ruby, Renova, and Isle were also grouped up and pointing at the map every once in a while. This organized chaos continued for a few minutes before Isle looked to Nabooru and held up her hand to stop everybody from talking.
Nabooru's head was in her hands as she looked at the map with red eyes. "This is so stressful", she said in barely a whisper.
The entire room went silent. "Why did he do this to me again", her head fell down onto her neatly folded arms as she collapsed against the table.
Isle put a hand on Nabooru's back, she tried to think of words of comfort but none came.
When Nabooru's head rose the table was still unnaturally quiet, "Doesn't he know this is why we abandoned him the first time? Is he this crazy, to not care?" her eyes grew red, "Ruby, is it possible for us to simply monitor their armies without fighting?"
Ruby looked to the map and nodded, "Well, I'm sure that we could".
Nabooru looked from the map to every one of her council's faces, "We will avoid this war as much as possible, I don't want to bring any other Gerudos into this. If I need to betray him again I will. But for now, we will stay out of this".
The seven members of the council nodded as Isle's face fell, "Nabooru, if you do need to fight him, I will go with you".
Ruby looked to Nabooru as well, "I agree with you on this decision, obviously our king isn't our best leader".
Lyiamere and Semalie chimed in, "we support you as well".
Cere and Taint also smiled their reply.
As Renova finally lifted her head, "We will not fight, I'll get a defense army". Nabooru knew how poor her decision was. It was then that she realized just how much her people supported her.
As the eight Gerudos left the room, Nabooru was walking the slowest. The entire council knew how worked up Nabooru was about this, and for once, she faced no opposition.
Ganondorf sat a top a tall brown horse surveying the rows of young men and women before him. The current leader of the assassins was a Tall dark woman who looked at her troops with a picky eye, looking for any sign of weaknesses. Her second in command stood beside her, watching the troops as well.
Ganondorf had been shocked at the true power this group held, they could exterminate a city in two weeks, a small town in two days. They moved swiftly and left nothing for their victims. They were the perfect army for taking over Hyrule and Ganondorf could not admit to not liking that. Every time the leader suggested a move the entire army moved and left no one behind. It was very hard not to be impressed.
As the leader, Rouge was her name, called for a move the entire army rippled to a straight standing position. Ganondorf watched as the army took an entire step forward together and began to move through the woods.
Rouge turned her horse to face Ganondorf, "impressive aren't they" she said with a grin as she clicked his jittery horse to move in front of the troops. Ganondorf turned the horse he was on to follow as the blue haired second in command rushed by him. "I knew you would come" she said with a grin, "It seems like the Goddesses do want us to win".
As she clicked on by him Ganondorf just frowned, seeing her reminded him with a little sadness of the fiery second in command of his own he had left back at the fortress. Ganondorf followed the leader in front of the massive troops as he contemplated everything that had happened to him, Ganondorf didn't know if he could ever forgive her, or get forgiveness now as well.
The troops made good progress, by midnight an entire 23 troops of well-trained men had been stationed around the outskirts of Hyrule. The forest borders at the left edge of the Hyrulean cliffs held most of the troops, and the majority of the cliff was covered. The armies had been set up far from the Gerudo boundaries and Lake Hylia was left surrounded but untouched. The Assassins weren't so worried about anything getting through the desert as much as they were something getting through the Lake. As Ganondorf stood at the top of a hill, he watched as the lines of troops fell in to small tents pitched in neat rows. The assassins could be ruthless and barbaric in their attack methods, but it was obvious the had certain sophistication in the style they had taught their warriors to go about their business. As Ganondorf crawled into a large tent to sleep that night, his mind was full of various feelings.
In one of the Hyrule Palace's many courtyards, Jason and Link walked side by side. It had started out as a simple conversation about their sword fighting experience and ended up as an entire discussion on everything that had been happening. At Jason's advice Zelda had ordered the stationing of small troops throughout Hyrule. They had already begun to build up an army and it seemed as though they were prepared for whatever was to come. Link smiled as the two suddenly brought up the topic of Zelda.
Link's eyes looked dreamy, "I have never loved somebody as much as I have Zelda," he said staring at a nearby fountain, "she is so…gorgeous".
Jason nodded, "When I first saw Zelda I could have sworn I was looking at an angel".
Link's eyes darted to Jason as Jason quickly covered himself, "You are a very lucky man Link".
Link sighed and smiled as he walked over to a bench that shone with the moonlight. "Do you have anybody special waiting for you Jason?" Link asked as he stared ahead at the fountain.
Jason shook his head, "No…" Link nodded as Jason shrugged, "But there is one girl that I have found myself fascinated with".
Looking fairly interested Link nodded "oh?"
"Yes" replied Jason, "a Gerudo…and though she might be a thief, she seems to be so kind…I can't stop thinking about her".
Link didn't respond for a moment as Jason continued, "Her eyes, her voice, she just seems to be so different from all of them".
Link looked up, "Nabooru?" he asked as Jason nodded.
Link looked back down, "Nabooru is a thief, she loves life, definitely, and she can be a loyal friend but…"
Jason looked to him confused, "but what?" he asked.
Link just shrugged again, "just remember, Nabooru is a Gerudo".
Jason nodded at the remark but internally he ignored Link completely. To him, Nabooru was not the type of person that would lie, cheat, and steal, it just didn't seem like the person he had seen back at the fortress.
Zelda daintily stepped out into the courtyard, "Link? Jason?" she called tentatively before smiling and walking over to their bench. Zelda slipped along to Link's side and received a small peck on her forehead before smiling at Jason. "How are you this lovely night" she asked as Link wrapped his arm around hers.
"I'm fine" Jason replied with a smile, "and you?"
"I'm feeling great" she said leaning against Link, "Just the day was so stressful".
Link sighed, "All the work it takes to set up a few troops is amazing. Oh, by the way, do I need to be present at the sages meeting tomorrow?"
Zelda nodded, "That is stressful too, all of the sages are going to be angry about this, he seemed so behaved last time, I have no idea what happened to him".
Jason looked to his side, he didn't like Ganondorf very much anymore. Zelda shivered a moment then began to pull Link towards the entrance, "Its getting a bit nippy outside, can we continued this conversation somewhere warmer perhaps?" The two men nodded as the three headed for the castle.
Saria made her way down the side of a small pony as she patiently waited for the town's gates to open. Floating in the water nearby was Ruto who swam along the channel to climb out where Saria stood. The two entered together and easily slipped through the morning merriment. Impa arrived on a white horse looking tall and regal, she slipped down as well. Last to arrive to the castle was Nabooru. Galloping along on a pure black stallion. Impa turned from her white horse to see the approaching Gerudo and she found herself stunned. The two exchanged waves as Nabooru dived into the moat and came out with her black cloak. As they walked into the market place together Impa couldn't help wondering, was Nabooru riding Ganondorf's horse?
Slipping into the crowd as she normally did, Nabooru made her way to the Temple of Time and dropped her dark cloak in the nearby bushes. Inside, Rauru was doing his usual business, sitting on his butt in his special chair at the table. Nabooru took her place and folded her arms on the table. She felt quite ready to face the barrage of insults that she knew would shortly happen.
Looking around the table, she found Darunia asleep, Ruto awake with eyes as wide as saucers, and Zelda looking towards the ceiling obviously lost in thought. Rauru clapped his large hands together and in an instant all of the sages snapped to attention.
"So" he said sounding quite formal, "we are here today to discuss…"
Ruto cut him off, "The assassins, it's the assassins right?"
Zelda placed a hand on Ruto's back, "You okay honey?" she asked worriedly as the rest of the sages looked to her expectantly.
Ruto shook her head, "I saw their troops" she said, "they were everywhere. I don't know what exactly they were trying to do but they surrounded the lake and some attacked our scouts".
Saria nodded, "on my way over I had to hide behind bushes, they were at least 10 soldiers hiding in the cliffs above".
Impa frowned as she folded her arms, obviously not happy with the information.
Zelda sighed, "it seems things are worse then we had expected. We will send men to the lake and to the cliffs, I'm sure the Kokkiri will be safe in the forest, but the Zoras…"
Rauru nodded, "I will try my best to help in any way I can and if at all possible, will activate the triforce". The Sages quickly started up, suggesting ways they would help and muttering to themselves.
Zelda looked to Nabooru and coughed making the room become silent again. "Nabooru" she said sounding quite regal, "Your armies better not be planning on joining this group about to attack us".
Nabooru turned her head to the side as Zelda continued almost sarcastically, "I know that you have been stressed a lot about issues lately, but that leaves you no reason to run off and join their forces. All though your people are separate from the rest of Hyrule, it also leaves no room to run off and consider yourselves enemies of us in our time of need". Nabooru did not stir.
"Nabooru, as a friend and a sage I am hoping you plan on helping us".
At this, Nabooru turned back to her former position.
She looked Zelda directly in the eye, "Well, well, well, insulting me and then requesting my help. Sorry to inform you, but because of the tremendous issues I seem to be having at the fortress I will not be joining in this war."
Ruto's mouth dropped open as she butted in, "Really? You can't be serious! With Ganondorf back in power I could have almost sworn you guys would practically jump for joy with the chance of war".
Nabooru turned to face Ruto, "Ganondorf is no longer with us" she replied before standing up from the table and walking out the door.
By now Zelda felt ready to slap Ruto, she had obviously been ill-informed and they could see it was killing Nabooru. The remaining sages looked to each other without speaking.
"I guess…the meeting is over" Zelda said softly shaking her head and looking to the table. It didn't take words to tell why as Nabooru slowly slipped out of the temple.
Standing from the table, Impa started to walk towards the door and Saria jumped to follow. Ruto left at a slow pace as well but Darunia remained at the table. Hopping to her feet, Zelda took a dash to the door.
As Zelda dashed by Saria looked to Impa with innocent eyes. "Impa" she said wearily, "Why would Ganondorf go with the Assassins after all?"
Impa frowned in reply, "What goes on in the mind of Ganondorf escapes even me".
Saria shrugged her small green shoulders, I hope Zelda doesn't feel responsible for this" she said almost sadly. Impa held open the door as the two walked on.
Zelda reached the outsides of the gates to find Nabooru mounting a black horse, her cloak already cast off. "I'm sorry about that" she said as Nabooru gathered her reins.
Nabooru looked to her with flaming eyes, "You, sorry? Didn't think the princess was capable of apologizing. You know, I have just been insulted, begged, and then reminded of something that I am trying to forget, for some reason sorry seems a little light as a goodbye."
Nabooru seemed ready to yell at the princess standing there, "Ganondorf is no longer my problem, if I have to I'll help but for now, I don't feel like involving myself in a war that is not mine".
Zelda nodded her head and looked up to see Nabooru jerking the reins to the side. Nabooru took one last glance at Zelda before she galloped off. Zelda's eyes watered in regret, she stepped across the bridge to enter the busied marketplace.
As Nabooru clicked her horse across the bridge, she found groups of young Gerudo fighters practicing with long swords. Girls scrambled to find open spaces to practice as a current captain of the forces made her way to the bridge.
The Captain bowed her head in respect before indicating towards the girls, "They have been practicing very hard" she said. "Things have gotten so dramatic that everyone wants to be involved".
Nabooru nodded as she slid off of the horse, "I'm going to the stables now" Nabooru said trying to speak over the surrounding noise, "Could you please inform my council that I have returned?"
The Gerudo nodded and ran off through the girls still practicing. Nabooru made her way with the horse through the crowds and into the stables. As it neared its stable the horse started to fidget and Nabooru found herself tugging it into the small corral.
In a way, Ganondorf's horse acted just like Ganondorf, stubborn and not used to being confined. Nabooru left the stables and walked back into the fortress to find Isle waiting in the throne room. Isle offered a weak smile as Nabooru approached her.
"Was is okay?" she asked her leader. Nabooru shrugged, "Better then some, worse then others".
Isle nodded, "guess that's good".
Nabooru smiled and softly saluted her second, "Carry on Soldier" she joked though even that sounded choked.
Isle nodded and Nabooru once again turned to go continue on her business.
As she swished down a dark hallway a guard softly bowed her head, "General" she said respectfully turning to watch Nabooru continue down the hallway.
Nabooru turned past a large lounging chamber to find six more Gerudo guards jump up as she passed. The six bowed in respect while standing. Similar displays of loyalty and affection rippled down the hall as Nabooru passed. She was their hope, they adored her and would follow her anywhere. Ganondorf as a leader had gained the loyalty of the Gerudos once, but even he knew that he could not aspire to the level of trust they had with Nabooru. This is the factor that led to Ganondorf's downfall, something extremely unavoidable.
Ganondorf stood by Rouge as the two watched a tall man on a dark brown horse approach them. The man descended and nodded to them, he had a tall frame and was obviously far older than Rouge.
"Cochon" Rouge called, "I'm glad you have finally made it".
Ganondorf snorted and looked down to keep from giggling. Cochon's name meant pig.
Cochon nodded in reply to Rouge with his eyes closed. He opened them to blink at from Ganondorf then back to Rouge.
"This must be Ganondorf" he said, then to Ganondorf, "I have heard much about you". He stuck out his hand and Ganondorf shook it respectively.
"Cochon will be a third force to the army being built" Rouge said to introduce the tall man in front of them, Ganondorf kept his tall composure and once again had to resist a giggle.
Rouge gave him an icy glare before Cochon replied in his smooth voice, "I hope I have not kept you waiting long" he said kissing Rouge's hand.
Rouge smiled, "Not at all, shall we continue to the camps? The current fortress is just a few minutes from them."
"We can go now if you like, the few but well trained troops I have will be joining us once we reach there". Rouge flicked her head and began walking towards the Hyrulean borders with Cochon following.
Ganondorf frowned to himself, "What's gotten into me" he muttered as he slipped behind them. The king of the Gerudos had just giggled about something as silly as a name, he didn't know if it was his younger age slipping out or just himself losing his mind.
Nabooru stood at the head of a long table, seven pairs of eyes watched her intently as she heavily sighed. "So, if you haven't all yet heard, a third member is joining the leaders of the armies beyond the borders. The scouts sent out have been able to keep us posted on their locations in relation to us, currently it seems there is no conflict. The defense troops have been sent out, they are strategically arranged to draw fighting away from the fortress.".
The seven heads nodded as Ruby chimed in, "Our intelligence with the scouts is traveling faster than the posts the Hylain castle gets. I have personally made sure that their locations will deliver only the necessary information."
Semalie tilted her head in question, "If the need does come to fight, what will we do if the troops bring the fighting to the fortress?"
Isle answered for Nabooru, "If they try that, we cut the bridge and slice through any soldiers that manage to make it across".
The group agreed at this as Taint brought up another question, "That sounds good but what happens if one of our scouting parties gets caught?"
Nabooru smiled, "don't doubt our scouts, any captures will be on purpose and will be used to our benefit only."
The council seemed extremely satisfied with this remark as well.
Renova snapped as a smile came to her face, "May we please draw this meeting to a close?" she asked politely.
"Yes" the other members replied in unison. Nabooru waved her arm to dismiss the group before she stepped out of the room, the Gerudo plan for no involvement had taken off at a very good start.
As the Gerudos sat happily around with their scout parties merrily ripping off the planted armies, in Lake Hylia something far more dangerous was happening. Three well armed men snuck around a rocky bend to keep a sharp watch on three zora children. Happily splashing in the water, the three children were completely oblivious. Stationed above the lake, 86 men were positioned behind bushes and trees, awaiting their call to jump into the lake and attack. Cochon's men stayed hidden a few yards behind the troops and had their swords drawn.
Outside of Lake Hylia's gates were the opposite force. A small diversion army of about 10 men waited at the gates ready to get anything that would try to go in or out. Along the cliff's borders were 45 men, they held their arrows drawn as the attack was expected from above. Hidden in a small cove nearer to the feeding river from Gerudo Valley, were another 30 men, half had arrows drawn and aimed at the rocky holes and trees along the cliffs.
Every soldier now watched the three zora children. They all were waiting for the enemy to make its move.