Mora slowly made her way up the stairs to the palace, Nikesa waiting at the top for her. It had been three weeks since the prince's birthday, and the tomb. Her ankle was doing much better, but stairs still gave her grief. She paused at the top, tilting her head back with a grunt. "I'm fine, mom." She touched Nikesa's arm when the Gerudo woman started for her. "That's just a lot of stairs still." She rolled her shoulders and put on a smile before stepping into the throne room.
Eabim was waiting calmly in her throne, a grin on her face when Mora and Nikesa came in. "Little gorokastro, how do you feel?"
"I feel good, Latifa." Mora gave a small bow, making sure to keep her weight situated on her good foot. She glanced up, not seeing Ganondorf in front of her. She lowered her eyes again, not wanting to insult Eabim now that the queen was playing nice.
"Do you think you'll be ready for the journey in a week?"
"I have clothes mostly packed."
"Mostly?"
"I… uh… I'm having trouble deciding what would be a good choice to wear when we uhm… go before the other domains. I can't wear my travel clothes, and I don't think I can salvage my nicer clothes from Gan's birthday, not that I should wear something that shows so much skin. I'm not Gerudo, I wouldn't want to insult the strong women." Mora saw Eabim flick a finger, a signal that she was satisfied with how long the girl bowed.
Eabim gave a nod and put her chin on her fist, her eyes moving to someone behind Mora. "You would not insult us, but I do not think it would be wise for you to go to the Hylian stronghold wearing Gerudo clothes, they might take insult that you are picking a side."
"There is no side to choose, Latifa."
Eabim tipped her head, staring at Mora with surprise. "Is there not?"
"I was cast out by them. I have no side to choose." Mora kept her chin up, she felt herself relax several octaves when the tall body of Ganondorf came around and stood next to his mother.
Eabim smirked, glancing up at her son. "Well, if you think you're ready. Ganondorf, you will make final preparations for your trip and pick your guards to go with you. I grant you permission to leave when all of you are ready."
"I have already informed Ubo and Biana, they are packed and ready to go, as am I." He locked eyes with Mora, a brow raised.
"Then I can finish packing, give me one more day with mom and I'll be ready to go."

Ganondorf sat on the small bed, one leg stretched out and hanging off the end of the bed while the other one was braced on the ground. He was looking over a map, trying to determine the best route to go. "Should we go see the Zora or the Goron first?"
"Are we also going to see the Rito?"
"Yes, but that visit will have to be last. We've received word that it has been snowing a lot, which has made some paths difficult to pass on foot."
Mora set a small stack of folded clothes between Gan's legs, nervously hiding her undergarments in her leather pack so he wouldn't see them. She moved around, looking at the map with the prince. "What if we take this route and go through Faron and go see the Zora first?" She turned and started folding her clothes tighter to get them into her pack.
Nikesa leaned against the doorframe, her eyes soft as she watched the two of them. "To go through Faron you'll have to climb a cliff face. You can barely climb stairs, Mora."
Mora glanced back at her mother, smiling. "I've been able to run if I wrap my ankle tight enough, and it really didn't hurt that bad when-"
"We won't be climbing cliffs, Nikesa, I promise." Gan cut the smaller female off with a laugh. "Hey, I might be strong, but climbing cliffs is no easy task for me!"
"You're just afraid I would beat you to the top." Mora crossed her arms and stuck her tongue out, smirking at her prince.
Nikesa shook her head and curled her finger at her daughter. "Come here, little bird."
Mora felt her chest grow tight and her limbs go numb at the nickname. She hadn't heard Nikesa call her that in years, and now it was tainted by nightmares. She saw the worried look on Gan's face, but gave him a smile before going to Nikesa. "Yes?"
"Eabim wanted to wait until your birthday for us to give this to you but seeing as plans of have changed…" Nikesa held out a large satchel, waiting for Mora to take it. "Go change into it, then come show Gan and I." Mora raised a brow to her mother before grabbing the satchel and disappearing across the hall to her mothers' room. Nikesa sat next to Gan, just in front of the folded clothes, her nails dug into his thigh, causing the prince to squirm under her grasp. "You had better take care of my daughter, Prince. If I see bruises like what she had… ever again…"
"You do realize she technically gave those to herself." Gan tried to pry Nikesa's hand away from his leg, gritting his teeth at the way her nails bit in. "But you know I won't let anything happen to her like that again." He started to say more when movement caught his attention, he turned his head and his jaw about hit the bed he sat on.
Nikesa rose, moving quickly to her daughter, looking her over. "Mora…"
Mora stood in front of them in a deep green dress that went down passed her knees and sleeves that covered her hands. It had gold embroidery along the edges, the gold was in shapes of the desert flowers that grew along the outside of town. At her belly was the Gerudo insignia, just above the golden sash that helped to keep the dress together. "Mom… this probably cost far too much, you didn't have to get this…"
"It's a gift from myself and Eabim, don't you worry about something that silly." Nikesa brushed a few stray strands of hair away from Mora's face, being careful around the yellowing bruise there. "Teaka has asked to see you before you go as well." She bit her lip, fighting back the tears as she looked her daughter over. She helped loosen the sash around the girl's waist and helping her with the clasps that held it all together.
The two females paused halfway down the dress when they heard a creaking noise behind them. Nikesa slowly turned her head, seeing Gan leaning against the headboard, watching them. "I don't know why you stopped." Gan let out a laugh when Nikesa's face turned bright red in annoyance. "I'm kidding! Please don't kill me, Nikesa." Gan pleaded as the Gerudo woman turned on him.
"Mom, it's only fair, I almost got to see his butt a few weeks ago." Mora grinned when Gan's eyes widened, and fear covered his face. "I'm kidding… mostly." She teased and went back to Nikesa's room to change.

Mora and Gan were walking through the market square, Gan still rubbing the back of his head from where Nikesa all but beat his skull in for watching Mora undress. "Mo-"
"Why didn't you tell them about what Demise said about me?"
Gan stopped and looked down at Mora, confusion on his brow. "What do you mean?"
"Goddess, Gan. Why didn't you tell them about the Goddess?"
Gan slid his hand into Mora's hair, pulling her into him and leaning down so he could give her a swift kiss. He smirked at how flustered she was when he pulled back, licking his lips, a whispered word leaving him as he straightened up. "It wasn't important, so drop it."
Mora stammered as she followed Ganondorf to the small shop that Teaka ran, her brain still not working right as they stepped in. Teaka looked between the two, a curious look on her face. "Did she hit her head?"
"Nah, I gave her a kiss to shut her up about some worries over the journey." Gan leaned against the bar while Mora slowly climbed into one of the chairs. "Seemed to work pretty well."
Teaka rolled her eyes and made them tea, smiling at them. "That is a good way to shut a woman up." She set their tea in front of them when she was finished. "I have gifts for both of you. Wait here." She slid from the main area and into the back.
Mora was clutching her tea so hard she was almost worried she would break the cup. "Did… did you say delicious?" She looked to Gan, swallowing the lump in her throat when he gave her a sideways glance.
"You mean… like this?" He grabbed her again, his lips covering hers. She went all but limp in his hold when he pulled away again, his voice so quiet she barely heard what he said while he licked his lips again. "Delicious."
"D-Don't do that, Gan!"
"Why not?"
"It's inappropriate!"
"I didn't know kissing was inappropriate."
"Licking your lips with that look on your face is inappropriate!"
Gan let out a laugh when Mora covered her face, trying to hide her blush. "Oh, is it? I think I'll keep at it." He looked up when Teaka returned, giving another laugh at the look he received.
"You become bold with your gestures, young prince." Teaka set a small box down in front of the two teens, a smile on her lips. "Open them."
Gan grabbed the one in front of him while Mora did the same, he let Mora open hers first before opening his. Inside were two matching bracelets, golden and thick. He looked up at Teaka, surprised at the gift. "Teaka… this is too much."
Mora held her bracelets up, they were matching to Gan's but not as thick. "Teaka… you really didn't have to."
"I wanted to. And your mothers should have taught you manners. You say thank you to gifts." Teaka leaned in, her elbows resting on her bar. "You'll need to show yourselves off to the others, us Gerudo take pride in our jewels and golds. What kind of King of Thieves doesn't have an assortment of golds?"
"We aren't thieves, we haven't been thieves for a very long time, Teaka."
"What better way to remind others that we still have our roots? Don't think too hard on it, Prince. First impressions matter. With you wearing bands like that will let the other domains know that we are doing well and need not their help, but their respect. With your… escort wearing bands like that, it demands more respect."
"Escort?" Mora paused in sliding the bracelets over her hands. "What do you mean by escort?"
Gan narrowed his eyes, setting the bands down. "She is not some-"
"You are a Gerudo Prince, soon to be King, Ganondorf. Do you really think walking into the other domains, with two guards and a Hylian will not be questioned? Do you really think they won't assume she is your bed warmer?" Teaka leaned in, hissing at her prince. "Your mother wouldn't have warned you, and you would walk Mora into these foreign palaces just behind you and to your left, you would have shown offense when they made a comment about her being an escort in fancy clothes. This is your test, Ganondorf. You knew it was a test from the very beginning, to see if you could handle being in front of other Kings and Queens."
"If that's what they think, then they can think that. What King wouldn't have someone next to him? If I have to play a role for Gan, I will play a role."
Teaka looked to Mora, tilting her head in approval. "And if they… assume you two sleep together, will you go red in the face and try to deny it? When you hear whispers or are asked if you had a comfortable enough bed?"
"I will fill whatever role I need to. I am there to inform the domains that I was controlled by Demise and released him. We haven't seen any signs of him even though it's been nearly a month since he was released, it's important for them to understand that means nothing good, for any of us. If they want to think I'm Gan's toy while I explain that, then that's up to them. If offends me none." Mora slid the bracelets over her hands and sipped at her tea.
Teaka grinned and looked to Gan while pointing to Mora. "You should take pointers from her, to not care what people think of her. But she has had fourteen years to build a tough skin thanks to the women that lust over you. You have a few months to build that thick skin, promised prince."
Gan huffed and drank his tea, glaring at Teaka. "You're brutal, you know that?"
"Everyone is soft on you; they are afraid that you will explode and tear them to bits and pieces. They think Mora is stupid for questioning things you do or getting you two caught in dangerous situations, but you take every word she says and think about how it can help you. She is brash with you, but you let her be that way. You two will have to guard your tongues on the road, if the other domains see you taking council from her, what message will that paint?" Teaka crossed her arms, leaning a hip on the bar.
"That I know something they don't." Gan rubbed the back of his left hand, glaring at the spot where the triforce had glowed once before. "Thank you, Teaka."
"Don't thank me just yet, prince. This will be a hard journey, if you think your people hold you at a small distance out of worry for what you are, you should see what the rest of the world thinks of a male Gerudo." She turned her eyes to Mora, smiling. "You'll have to watch yourselves and show them just how small of a threat you are compared to the evil lying in wait."

Nikesa cupped her daughters' cheeks, her lips pressed to the Hylian girls' forehead as tears fell down her cheeks. "I love you, my little beast."
"I love you too, mom. I'll be back before you know it." Mora whispered, keeping her arms tight around her mother. "When I get back, can we go to the Oasis for drinks?"
Nikesa squeezed Mora, unable to fight back the sobs as she slowly nodded. "Of course. When you… return… we'll go." She kissed the girls' forehead one more time before pulling away. She glanced to the others who waited, her eyes pleading with Ganondorf to change his mind, to bring back her baby girl.
Mora smiled to Nikesa and trotted over to Gan, Ubo and Biana. She looked back one last time, smiling at Nikesa who watched them go. She turned to Biana, taking the bow that the guard offered her. They didn't think they would run into trouble, but they would rather be safe than sorry.
The three Gerudo walked a little slower so Mora wouldn't have to exert herself, but she would trot ahead of them every now and again, letting her sand boots take her through the loose sands with ease. She turned, walking backwards so she could watch Gan. "So… why don't you try to find a horse too?"
"I've only heard rumors of horses big enough to easily carry a Gerudo, but no one has seen any in the last few years. We can check with the stables on the rumors, thought I'm not too worried about it." Gan shrugged as they walked along, catching Mora by the hand and keeping her steady when she tripped over a rock while turning around.

The four made it to the canyon gates, easily moving over the stairs and letting the guards open the gates for them. The two at the gate smiled at their prince as he led the way into the canyon. Mora looked to the stables, her eyes landing on the spot where a small tent had been set up. It had only been two or so months, but it felt like an eon ago. It was still early in the morning and people were still sleeping as the small group walked up to the stables.
Ganondorf started to go to talk to the owner when Mora bounced up in front of him, a smile on her lips. "Good morning! We were wondering if you had any horses for sale?"
The owner looked between Mora and the Gerudo behind her, blinking a few times before giving her a warm smile. "I'm afraid not, I just sold my last horse a few weeks ago and haven't had the time to go catch more. There's a herd just east of here, you got a map?"
Gan handed the map over when Mora turned to him, she went back to the owner, letting him show her a route. "We were told there was nothing but sheer cliff face around here, that it would be too hard to climb."
"Oh, that was months ago, they've built ways to get up the cliffs to the top. Pretty views from up there." The owner pointed to one spot, making sure Mora was paying attention. "Go through this valley, if you find a horse you can tame, you can go this way and just follow this path, you'll come across another stable like this. My brothers and I all own one across Hyrule." The owner beamed, tipping his hat to Mora.
"Huh… gonna try and keep it in the family?"
"Going to try our best!" The owner let out a laugh and leaned back. "If you'd like to buy carrots and ropes, we got some here."
"Yeah, if you have a bundle or two." Mora clasped her hands in front of her, smiling more.

Biana and Ubo divided up the carrots so all four could have a few to try and catch a horse with. Biana bumped into Ubo playfully when they started out again. "I hope you aren't afraid of heights, Ubo." She grinned when the other guard narrowed her eyes. "It shouldn't be too bad."
Gan took gulps from his waterskin as they walked, keeping his pace slow so Mora wouldn't have to jog to keep up. He looked at the two guards, listening to them talk. He glanced down at Mora who was limping a little heavier. "Do we need to take a break?"
"No, no. I'm fine." Mora gave Gan a grin and brushed up against him. "Really, don't give me that look, I'll be fine." She gripped the straps of her pack tighter and bit the inside of her lip, wanting lunch to hurry up and get here so she could relax for a few moments.
Gan frowned, he could see the pain in those green eyes of hers, but she was trying to put on a strong face for them, so they wouldn't have to stop. "We should be coming up to the way up soon."
As if the words he spoke were magic, they rounded a corner in the canyon and there it was, the ramps up to the walkways along the cliff face. Ubo went up first, Biana teased her that if she went up first, she couldn't chicken out halfway up. Mora went next with Gan right behind her and Biana bringing up the rear. "Is this really that sturdy?" Ubo growled as she led the way up, not daring to look down below her.
"I'm sure they're fine, we only have three nearly full grown Gerudo and a half pint walking on them." Mora teased, laughing so hard she had to stop moving when Ubo quickened her pace to put space between all of them. "I'm kidding, the owner of the stables made it sound like they were built a few months ago, should be sturdy enough."

The group finally made it to the top two hours later, each sweating like crazy as they carefully traversed across the wooden planks. Ubo turned and looked at the group. "Should we set up a small camp over in that outcrop? Get in the shade and have lunch?"
"I think so." Biana helped Mora up the large step onto the top of the cliff. "How is your foot?"
"I'm ready for a rest." Mora laughed and followed the guard across the dry land towards the outcrop that Ubo and Gan had headed towards.
"Mora?"
"Yes, Biana?"
The guard was silent for a few steps but then shook her head. "Never mind, I'm sorry to bother you, Mora."
Mora let out a huff but trudged along, if Biana didn't want to ask her questions, then Mora wouldn't push it. She sat next to Gan when she made it to the prince, awkwardly propping her ankle up on the pack. "How long are we resting?"
"Probably an hour or two? I'd like to get off the cliffs before nightfall but know that isn't necessarily going to happen." Gan shrugged as he pulled some berries from his pack, offering them to Mora. He watched her pluck a few from the small bag and toss them in her mouth one at a time.
Ubo stretched out in the sun, a sigh leaving her lips as she fumbled in her pack, pulling out dried meat. "How long do you think it will take to travel to the Zora?"
"If we can get horses, five… maybe six days, without horses it will take over a week." Gan started to set the map down in his lap when Mora curled up against him, her head resting on his thigh. He grinned and set the map out in front of him, looking it over. "This is the valley the stable owner was talking about; we should be there by evening."

Mora stirred when she felt a hand tangling into her hair, twisting brunette locks around thick fingers. She nuzzled against his leg more, sighing softly. "Time to get up?"
"Yeah, I'm sorry, Mo. We need to keep moving." Gan's voice was soft as he stroked her hair, removing any tangles he found. He helped her sit up before repacking the things he pulled from his travel bag.
Mora's body ached some as she carefully got up, looking around but not seeing Ubo or Biana near them. "Where did… ?"
"They're around the corner there, nature was calling." Gan stood and stretched out his legs while Mora stretched out her ankle. He moved to her, his arm wrapping around her as he pulled her against his torso.
"Can I help you, Gan?" Mora looked up into his face, a soft blush on her cheeks. She let herself melt against him, welcoming the feeling of his strong core against her.
"No. I just wanted to touch." He gave her a mischievous grin when she huffed and pulled away. He looked up when Ubo and Biana came back, nodding to them when they gave a suspicious look. "Ready to go?"

"I see trees." Ubo gasped, pointing to a canyon just ahead of them. "There, then we can get down from these cliffs!"
Gan waved the two guards ahead, staying back with Mora as she struggled to hide her limping. "Once we get down into the valley, we'll set up camp, that way you can rest for the night, how does that sound?"
"That sounds wonderful." Mora purred as she walked along with Ganondorf. She paused when she saw the two guards gawking at something down in the valley below. She looked at Gan before shrugging and following him.
Gan paused, looking down at what his two guards gawked at. His jaw dropped as he looked down below. "Holy shit…" He turned; his eyes wide as he looked back at Mora. "Come look at this!"
Mora ran over, gasping and wincing when the pain reminded her that she shouldn't try to run. When she finally hobbled over, her jaw dropped at the sight. Down in the valley was a herd of large horses, big enough to carry a full grown Gerudo. "No way."