The ride back home was torture for the young king. While the raid had been an overall success, having pilfered a bounty of foods, cloths and small treasures to be resold to their owners for provisions, something had been lost. A rift had been created between Ganondorf and Jafora. A rift that felt to the young king as large of a cap as the valley itself.
He rode in the back of the raid party as they made their way home. The troupe was more silent than not, only few Gerudo spoke to each other. The mood between the king and the Meister effected them all, creating a cloud of melancholy over the party. It wasn't until they had arrived to the fortress did the raiders feel at peace once more.
One by one they stabled their horses, giving them feed and cleaning them. Each raider had their own horse, a reflection of themselves, and cared for it in her own way. By the time Ganondorf was able to stable his own steed, Jafora had long since left the party. He saw her as she left, and wanted to speak to her, but the cold, disinterested look in her eyes warned him otherwise.
Once his horse was well fed and comfortable, he left the stables to join the others in the mess hall, where their deeds would be celebrated by the other women. It was common among his tribe to have a feast for the returning raiders, whether they were successful or not. It was a celebration that they had returned home safely. It was also in these feasts that they remembered those they lost.
They wore masks, both Jafora and Ganondorf. They carried smiles and laughed wit the others in the evening's revel. They expressed false happiness, while feeling completely hollow beneath their skin. When the time came for the feast to end, they were both grateful to have private time.
Jafora left before Ganondorf even noticed, sneaking out the rear entrance of the mess hall. He remained to aid in the clean up, as usual. Even though he was weary, cleaning the tables and washing the bowls and cups always kept his mind at ease. On the way back, Ganondorf had thought over and over about what happened. This was the first time since the raid he was able to shut off his brain and focus on the task at hand.
After the last bowl had been washed out and returned to its proper resting place, Ganondorf said farewell to the Gerudo on kitchen duty and left the mess hall. There was a spot on the fortress he had found long ago, a terrace. He would go there, often during sunset, and reflect on his life and his emotions. That was where he needed to be right now.
As his head peaked over the roof of the terrace, Ganondorf's eyes picked up the form of someone standing in his designated spot. He stopped walking up the ramp and squinted his eyes, trying to get a better view of whoever it was. They were, of course, standing between him and the setting sun. Ganondorf could only make out their silhouette.
It was a woman, naturally. Her feminine form gave that much away. The main color he could make out was red; along streak of red, she was facing away from him. Quietly, Ganondorf stepped up the stone ramp and walked closer. Whoever she was, he did not want to disturb her. She had a right to this place just as he did. If she needed the space, he would simply leave.
The closer Ganondorf came, the more he could see. She was a tall woman. Though he still had near a foot on her, she would certainly stand out among the rest of the Gerudo. Her legs were thick and tight, obviously a warrior of some sort. That limited it to nearly half of the Gerudo.
As he stepped closer, passing halfway across the terrace. He was able to make out the muscle definition on her arms. She was a heavy-arm, meaning she was used to handling larger weapons; axes and greatswords and the like. That, to Ganondorf, limited the possibilities down to a small twenty. Then, ou of seamingly no where, the last clue hit him.
Ganondorf stopped dead in his tracks but a few feet away from the woman as he scent filled his nostrils. His people were well known for their perfumes, having coined such delightful fragrances sold at high prices in Hyrule. The natural and wild flowers that bloomed within the Gerudo homeland produced some of the most unique scents in all of the known realms.
While most Gerudo chose to wear the perfumes they made, there were those who chose otherwise. Ganondorf often preferred the latter. There was something profound, he felt, about a person's natural scent. It was there own, unique mark, an identification. He would also be lying to himself, if he said it did not arouse him. The scent of sweat was a sign that a sister was not afraid to work hard, which pleased him.
This woman was clearly one who never wore perfume. He wild scent hit him as a soft, cold breeze blew at him, carrying her scent on the air. It was sultry, and untamed. It made his heart skip a beat and invigorate his body. It was a scent he had grown all too familiar with, and at this moment, gave him dread. The woman standing before him was Jafora.
He was reluctant to say anything. It would be best for them both if he just left without her even knowing he was there. As he turned to leave, the silence was broken.
"A king is meant to protect his people" she said, startling him and making him freeze in place. Sighing deeply and knowing his cover was blown, Ganondorf joined his companion. He stood by her right side, saying nothing. He glanced at her, watching the light of the sunset glinting in her amber eyes. The mix of reds, yellows and oranges reminded te young king of a campfire.
"He is required to fight for them, kill for them, and eventually, die for them" she continued. Ganondorf knew exactly what she meant. The burden of king-hood was just that; a burden. True, it was not without its perks, but it was a job that he could never quit. From birth to death, Ganondorf would serve his people without respite. Jafora's eyes slid from the sunset to her king, sending fear up and down his spine.
"A king can also tell the difference between an enemy, and an innocent" Jafora said, glaring slightly at Ganondorf. He sighed to himself and nodded.
"Yes, you're right" he admitted.
Jafora then turned to face her lover completely.
"Ganondorf, we do not kill the innocent. You should know this. So, I'll ask you just once. Why did you attack that woman?"
This question had been coming, Ganondorf knew that the moment Jafora challenged his actions in the raid. He had thought long and hard about what his answer would be. On the ride home, in fact, that's all he thought about. Jafora had shamed him, in front of the entire raid party, and there was a reason for it. He was determined to understand his mistake.
"... I could say I was merely following orders" he began, noting the anger building up within Jafora's eyes. "But, we both know that is untrue" he added, calming the situation. "I suppose... ah hell" he sighed. "I hate the Hylians, as you well know. I wanted them all dead."
"Why?" Jafora asked rhetorically, crossing her arms.
"You know why."
"Say it out loud."
"..." Ganondorf paused, not wishing to speak the words. He knew, however, Jafora would not accept silence. Finally he tilted his head down, glaring at his lover with a hatful sneer.
"Because they mutilated Krysta, my first mate. And I will not hesitate to slaughter them all if I can."
Jafora was taken aback, but only for a moment. Her surprised look subsided, returning to her cold stare.
"You must not hold the entire nation accountable for one criminal's actions" she stated.
"Without me, he would have never come to justice. And it was a group, not just one man."
Jafora was at a loss for words. She did not know the details of the incident, only what was in the initial report. Though this minute detail mattered little in the main agenda of the conversations.
"Even so, Ganondorf. You must realize that going to war with Hyrule over the death of One person would be more than foolish. Especially when she died six years ago. Ganondorf..." He stare softened, and she reached out and rubbed her king's arm. "Do you understand that you nearly put our entire tribe in jeopardy?"
Ganondorf said nothing, but nodded.
"It will not Happen again, Jafora. I promise you" he said, lifting his head to get rid of the dark gaze and enter a stance of honor. Jafora smile at his words, and, to Ganondorf's shock, leaned against him.
"Thank you, my king" She said, closing her eyes as she too a deep breath of his natural scent. Just like Ganondorf, Jafora deeply enjoyed the smell of her lover.
Ganondorf breath a little easier. Ever since he was young, he hated the feeling of Jafora looking upon him in disapproval. He brought his arm around her and held her tight to hid body. All was well, once again. And he was intent in keeping it that way.
