"I am sorry Doctor Borville, but the Gerudo have very strict rules about men in the birth hut," Princess Zelda apologized through the door, her ear pressed up against the wood as she listened to the many bickering voices on the other side.
"Nonsense, she will require professional care immediately, childbirth isn't– wait, what are you doing – AH!" A loud crash rumbled, Zelda smushing her face onto the door with a worried gasp.
Professor Edwyn excitedly queried from the same spot the short Hylian had previously whined, "What an honor to witness such a sacred ritual. Would you please take notes for me, Your Highness, an ethnography for our records!"
She tugged at the high collar of her white dress, arms sore as her hands supported the basket tied to her belly. "I will try my best Professor, but I am no anthropolo–"
"Do they need any herbs?" Shaman Renado interjected, his voice slightly to the left of her.
"Thank you, but no," Zelda sighed, "They are doing perfectly fine gentlemen, please return to–"
"Childbirth? Fine?" Doctor Borville huffed, "You mean dangerous and life-threatening! Flowers and incense aren't going to stop profuse bleeding!"
The Shaman snapped, "And your needles filled with altered-monster-liquid will?" Their argument catapulted into action, the Professor ignoring them both to instead bombard her with questions about Gerudo practices. She was developing a headache, a small thump on the door directly parallel to her knees matching the pulse in her temples.
The white-clad monarch knelt down with difficulty, the basket digging into her ribs as she pressed her hand lovingly against the door. Link's breathing on the other side brought ease to her heart as she imagined his face squished beside her.
When Igesu's water broke, they immediately threw him out of the room, Nosef and Saboorudorf shushing him each time he tried to offer assistance. He was surprisingly unfazed by the whole ordeal, Zelda coming to the conclusion that he must be used to birth after working with goats all his life; they surely had plenty of babies. The Princess was frazzled to say the least, her heart pounding at the sight of the fluids, pacing and mumbling, "What do we do now, what do we do now!" Stories made it seem like such a rapid process; water and then plop! A new life is born!
No, the only franticness that came was from Link's unwanted presence, and once he was gone and the door locked shortly after, time continued normally. They tossed her a white dress to match the other females and instructed her on how to wear the faux belly, instantly expecting her to join the growing festivities. It didn't bother her, only surprised.
"I am alright, love," Zelda soothed, swearing she could feel his heat against her cheek, "I need you to keep a lookout out there, alright? Who knows that creature is planning."
He grunted in understanding, body still leaning against the door.
"Zeldadorf," Igesu pleasantly called, "Join us!"
The Princess chuckled, "I must go now, my love. Royal business to attend to."
She peeled herself away and already felt colder. A group of young Gerudo girls came and hooked their arms around hers, leading her to sit on the sea of colorful cushions. They plopped down, legs crossed and carefree, while the Princess tucked the cushions underneath her, hands folded neatly in her lap as she waited to hear what came next.
Igesu lounged happily across from her, skin glowing and eyes in a euphoric trance as she played with her long copper hair. This must have been exciting for her, soon being able to meet the child she had been carrying for nine long months. Zelda wondered, was she scared at all?
The Gerudo priestess called out to her mother who was cooking something with a group of other mature-looking women, tossing back a response that must have been "maybe later" or "I'm busy".
A small, sharp-eyed woman handed the Hylian a woven bowl, filled with hundreds of brilliant beads that glistened like stars in the candlelight. Gems, polished wood, some even seemed to have come from a distant sea – a rainbow of colors and shines. Princess Zelda held the basket in awe, unsure what to do with them but mesmerized by their sheen, like a crow. The woman must have noticed her apprehension, and motioned for the Princess to pick one with a thickly accented, "Yours."
"Mine?" She wondered aloud; she needed to pick her what?
"Oh, Zeldadorf," Igesu touched her face in embarrassment, "Come sit by me so I may explain, I am so sorry." The Princess did as she was told, basket of jewels resting on her fake belly.
With hands that cut through the air like silk, the Gerudo woman reached into a small bag that rested beside her, revealing a beautiful bracelet adorned with the same beads. "I forgot you do not have one," Her soft voice clarified, "We Gerudo are a superstitious people, Zeldadorf, I apologize if our ways confuse you, but we do hope you will join us in our customs...This is my life." She placed the beaded bracelet in Zelda's hand and beamed, the other women raising their own uniquely colored bracelets with pride.
It was a single bead, a knot, a band of beads, knot, single bead, knot, band of beads; some were as long as a belt, others smaller than her hand. The Princess ran her thumb over the rows and columns of each gem, still unsure what she meant. Igesu must have sensed her confusion, reaching back into her little pack to remove a ball of jute. "Our village is experiencing a great change. We will have a King, things will no longer be the same for our people. These bracelets were given to us by our mothers when we changed from child to woman, and with each transition in our life, we are expected to add to the link."
Igesu worked serenely, knitting designs with her fingers as she tied the jute together. "The link is supposed to reflect our journey up to the change, the single bead at the end is a wish or premonition of what is yet to come. For example," She handed the string to the woman beside her who kissed it and passed it on, "You have fought your first battle as a warrior. You place an amethyst bead at the end of your bracelet in hopes that your next battle is just as victorious as the first."
The knotted string reached Saboorudorf and the other women, who lathered it with oil and kisses. Princess Zelda raised her brow at the superstition, "It is a good luck charm, then?"
Igesu pursued her rosy lips in thought, "More divination. To know which bead to pick, you must...oh, what is the Hylian word for it..." She pressed her copper palms together and closed her eyes, turning to Zelda as she waited for her to fill in the blanks.
"Erm...pray?" The Princess guessed, the Priestess shaking the suggestion away. "Meditate?"
Her citrine eyes lit up as she snatched the word from her lips. "You must meditate, there the Goddess will lead you to your future. Sometimes the bead will come to you in a dream, sometimes you will just sense it."
The bracelet was finally given to Zelda, a single white pearl embedded snuggly between thick strands of jute. She tried handing it to Igesu but she refused, touching the Princess's hand gently. "That is yours Zeldadorf," she smiled, "You challenged Aral to Kosai, you are an honorary Gerudo now."
Her cheeks burned with honor as she thanked them profusely for welcoming her into their activities, hands timidly following the silent instructions of the girls around her. They began weaving beads into their jewelry, some speaking Gerudo laced with Hylian words, while others sang and danced to the sound of drums. She focused on scooping up the gems that interested her, Igesu interpreting each decision happily. Zelda wasn't very careful with what she was picking, simply gathering ones she found to be pretty and waiting to see if Igesu approved or not.
It was a lively room, the smell of cooked meats and spices making her stomach grumble with excitement as they awaited the arrival of their King. "Red clay beside turquoise," The Gerudo priestess hummed, "You have overcome a struggle recently, very important."
Zelda mumbled to herself, "It should be covered with red clay and turquoise, then."
She found it relaxing, running her hot fingers through the cool beads that reflected her past. She swore she saw faces inside of them; the more she sat in silence, the sharper their images appeared. She knew each and every one of them; her parents, the girls, Elric, and Midna. Hell, even Dark and his lost lover brought relaxation in their marble forms as she sewed them in, the incense and mellow drumming inviting her into an altered state.
Igesu nudged her arm to stir the Princess awake, tying up the series of beads and imploring her to pick the final jewel. What did this mysterious Sand Goddess see in her future? Her gaze was lost within the sea of colors in her lap, the basket her looking glass into the sacred birthplace of fate.
"Do not dwell too much on it, Zeldadorf. This is supposed to be a fun activity." Igesu giggled pleasantly, the other women echoing her message with smiles and pats on the back. It was then that the door opened for a brief second, Nosef and Raerani slipping in quickly. The bun-wearing Gerudo carried a large orange pumpkin in her arms, her ever-present grin popping beside the grumpy Captain. Zelda hadn't noticed it before, but Raerani was much taller than the ever-angry Nosef. The sight of her barking orders at the happy woman reminding the Princess of a small dog nipping at the heels of a big wolf.
Nosef said something in Gerudo, walking over to her mother and stealing a spoonful of her cooking into her mouth, before being smacked on the arm and head by the mature women. Raerani set the rotund fruit down in front of Igesu, its size so large that Zelda was eye level with its short stem. Her jaw hung unhinged, where in the world were the Eldin Virgins hiding such a bountiful harvest? But that wasn't all that dazzled the small Princess.
Igesu, with her relatively petite frame and mellow demeanor, borrowed a small knife from Raerani's belt and stabbed viciously into the fruit. She tore it to shreds, thousands of years of Gerudo battle prowess pouring out of the soft spoken woman like pumpkin juice. Then she took the pieces she had cubed and began consuming not a sliver, not a piece, but a full quarter of the pumpkin in one quick inhalation.
"Those are some mighty cravings…" Zelda marvelled, impressed by her appetite.
She hummed happily, motioning for the others to take as much as they would like as she enjoyed her handful of the gourd. The shocked monarch preferred to bury herself back into the task of collecting her final bead, eye caught on the alluring creaminess of a pearl. It reminded her of sweet milk, the delicious treat a staple of her childhood as her grandmother offered a glass each night she could not sleep. She pinched the white pearl between her fingertips and decided haphazardly that it would be–
"Not that one!" Igesu shrieked, smacking the bead out of her hand while the rest of the group gasped. It fell with a clink, Zelda fearing she had offended them in some way, her face red and unsure. The Priestess grabbed an emerald and placed it on the bracelet instead, holding Zelda's hand in her own with a relieved sigh as their hearts raced in unison. "Zeldadorf, white symbolizes death."
Her face went pale, brows furrowed as she looked at the white bead at the beginning of the strand and the fabrics on their bodies. "Why is this pearl here then?!" She panicked, feeling superstition's tight grasp on her throat.
"That is your birth bead Zeldadorf," Igesu swiftly explained, fanning the Hylian as a cold sweat appeared on her brow. "White is a birth color, which is why we wear it now. But it is also our mourning dress. Life and Death walk hand-in-hand; white starts your bracelet, but it is far too early for it to end it."
Nosef released an amused laugh at Zelda's expense, the room slowly finding humor at a silly Hylian's mistake. Princess Zelda sighed, heart pounding as she returned to ease. It was only jewelry, it held no weight over her and her fate. She touched Igesu's elbow with a thankful chuckle, the Priestess laughing with her through a wince of pain. "The emerald – ah, i-it is a sign of good fortune."
Zelda held her as she began to lose breath, bracelet falling to the ground with her heart as she grew concerned. Saboorudorf floated over and soothed her daughter, her tightly shut eyelids relaxing as she rubbed her plump belly. The Princess and Chieftain helped the pregnant woman onto a stack of elevated plush pillows, a familiar voice ringing through the silence, "Contractions?"
Ilia stood at the door with a ruby jug in her arms, jade orbs grinning in greeting. Nosef cast Zelda a dirty look, stringing along Gerudo curses she didn't understand, but knew they upset Igesu who openly scolded her sister. The blonde was embarrassed, sensing her presence wasn't wanted by the warrior's glare, Zelda rushing to explain, "Gerudo tradition states only women are allowed in the birth hut, and females accepted must have a positive trait that governs their heart. They believe the baby absorbs all of our energies here."
"Oh," she peeped, hands tightening around the jug nervously, "I'm sorry, I should have knocked."
"This is our Ambassador," The monarch glanced between Igesu and Nosef, "Her heart knows only caring and compassion."
"A-And I won't bother you too long!" She approached the group hesitantly while Saboorudorf motioned her forward. "I just brought a gift."
The women returned to their various activities, finding the blonde girl to be docile and boring. Igesu greeted her with a nod, Zelda reaching out to take the trembling jar from her hands, as she nervously bowed her head. There was liquid inside, it was sweet-smelling like flowers and honey. "I am so sorry, I didn't mean to interrupt," Ilia placed her hands on her chest and apologized.
The Gerudo woman smiled, "It is fine. My vehvi needs to be caring as well as strong. Your presence will assure he is well-rounded." Igesu's eyes were glued to the jar, her curiosity as profound as her belly.
The Ordonian caught her interest and corrected, "It's to help with the pain, but it's not from me. Link whipped it up just now; although they give this stuff to the goats when they're in labor, it's safe for people to drink. The last thing we want is for mama to be unhappy."
Igesu gently took it from Zelda's grasp and dipped her finger in, placing it between her lips and humming pleasantly. "I have a terrible sweet tooth. Thank you, Ambassador."
"Our pleasure. I should get going though, and Zelda–" Ilia handed her a glass jar full of fresh raspberries, "Harod told me to give this to you. Said something about it being a thank you gift?"
"What a pleasant surprise." She took the jar and peacefully held it against her basket stomach, Ilia's gaze confused but not curious enough to ask questions. The jade-eyed woman bid her polite farewells and ran off, Igesu still glowing as she scooped up more of the thick liquid on her finger. Their crafting circle dispersed and formed their own little subgroups around the hut. Zelda had never been in a room with so many females before, it was almost unnerving.
"Please, sit." Igesu begged, patting the spot beside her again. The cooking women changed their attitudes in the blink of an eye. Their delicious smelling dishes and hearty laughs were replaced with earthy aromas and serious expressions as they focused on a bubbling cauldron they blocked. They seemed to be chanting, praying religiously over their work. Zelda felt very out of place, her sharp ears picking up every syllable of a language she did not speak, spoken from mouths painted better than hers. Nosef spared her a pitying glance, orbs soon glued on Raerani who was leading another dance.
"You know," Igesu interrupted her stupor with a single phrase, "My vehvi will be spending lots of time here in Hyrule. I do not believe any of our dorfs were born away from the Desert."
Princess Zelda leaned back on the pillows leisurely. "That is right. His birth is special in many ways."
Igesu nodded, hand resting beneath her stomach while she watched a group of girls giggle and tease one another. The brunette monarch shuffled uncomfortably, a sad tingle crawling up her nose as she felt her eyes begin to water. She took a deep breath and forced herself to smile, heart tender as she stated, "Dinaria would have loved to see us like this. To meet her nephew and be with her family again."
She heard Igesu shift in her seat but refused to look, any movement would threaten the integrity of the dam she had built for herself. The red-haired woman whispered like careful winds on sand dunes, trying her hardest to not disrupt the grains. "You speak as if she is dead."
That word, it made her jaw clench.
"She is not here Igesu," Zelda mumbled, removing the basket from under her dress and pulling her knees up, interlocking her fingers.
The woman laughed politely, sunkissed hand reaching over to cover the Princess's in a pat. "Nonsense," She objected, "Dinaria is here right now."
Zelda picked up her head and frowned, unsure what she meant. The room lacked the ruby locks and sassy comments of the teen, empty like the spot in her heart. Igesu saw her confusion and nurtured it into understanding. "Dinaria is with us, maybe not in physical form, but she is here. I can feel her, her heart beating with the hum of the universe as she eagerly awaits to meet her people's King." She closed her eyes and sank into the soft pillows behind them, "Her heart beats within you too, Zeldadorf. You and I shall pass long before she does, I can assure you that."
Zelda's hand wandered over her chest, heart beating happily at her attention. The air was thick with the smell of desert food, and vibrated with the voices of their village. Sounds and smells her little one would have found joy and comfort in – Zelda tried to find comfort in them, too.
Igesu released a small gasp, "Oh! He kicks with joy at the thought of his Auntie Dinaria, don't you, my little hummingbird. Would you like to feel him Zeldadorf?"
Her golden orbs shined at the idea, the monarch's apprehension reflecting vividly in them. "Um, I am not sure," She tried to argue, but the Gerudo was having none of that. Her hand was forced to lay delicately along the side of Igesu's large belly, breath stuck in her throat as she braced herself.
Small pressure pushed against her palm, harder and harder until she was sure a little hand was in her own. Zelda gasped, feeling odd yet amazing as it pulled away from her, the little life almost too shy to greet her. "I have never felt a baby kick before," She chuckled in awe.
"I want him to take as much from you as possible, Zeldadorf. The more my vehvi absorbs from your personality, the better." Igesu rubbed her stomach with a pleased tune on her breath as she began to sing a lullaby. Zelda glanced at her palm and sighed; maybe childbirth wasn't that scary after all.
…
"Ah, sister Telma, Vasaaq." Saboorudorf greeted, heading for the door with crossed arms.
Princess Zelda looked up from her craft, the straw basket in her hands unraveling slightly as she set it to the side. Igesu and Raerani insisted on showing her how to weave, the future mother distracting herself from the episodes of debilitating pain that came and went. It must have surprised Telma to see the Princess sitting on the floor, her usual regality replaced with the simplicity of homemakers' work.
The buxom woman's plump lips puckered at the approaching veiled figure, braided hair stiff like a cautious dog's tail. "You requested me?" She raised a well-plucked brow.
Saboorudorf grunted, "Your Shaman gifted herbs unfamiliar to us. Will you help prepare them with me?"
Telma, taken aback by the newfound friendliness, put her hands on her hips and agreed. "S'pose I could."
Saboorudorf nodded, "Good. Zeldadorf!"
Zelda called out, "Resilience!"
"Good characteristic for my grandson. Follow me," She instructed Telma whose face twisted uncomfortably. Igesu giggled when the bar maid cast her a jealous look, deciding instead to busy herself with the instructions handed to her while the priestess stared. Zelda tried to focus on the quick moving hands of Raerani while she taught techniques, but the silent battle between women was far more interesting.
"How are you feeling." Telma stated more than asked, Zelda not sure whether or not her friend even really cared.
Igesu smiled sweetly, "Very well, sarqso. Contractions are becoming more frequent."
Telma took a handful of mint and began plucking the leaves. "I'm sure." She nodded.
The Priestess hummed, "You know, the Shaman spoke very highly of you"
"Oh did he," Telma pressed with sass, hand gripping the plant aggressively.
Igesu nodded, Raerani finally catching wind of the exchange and pausing. "Very much so. I think he is very fond of you, sister."
Telma gave a loud humph! and fumed, "Stupid man! Can't he pay a compliment to my face at least once! Is that so much to ask?"
The Priestess frowned, covering her mouth with a gasp at the anger she had stirred in Telma's heart. "I am so sorry sister, I did not mean to upset you!"
The woman sighed, placing the herbs in a bowl before accepting a handful of rosemary. "No baby, it's not your fault," She bubbled with an ill-humored laugh, "This is what I get for loving an idiot man."
The room hummed in agreement, Raerani piped openly, "That is exactly why I prefer vai over voe!"
The sound of metal bowls toppling over ripped the group's attention to a very embarrassed Nosef, water jug clutched to her chest, while a blush gave her away despite the distant look in her eyes. "Captain!" Raerani gasped, rushing over to help pick up the pots and pans at her slippered feet.
"It's fine!" Nosef spluttered, shutting her eyes and angrily handing her the jug.
Taken aback yet responsive, Raerani tipped the container to her lips and began to drink. Nosef took the ceramic piece and began handing it to each Gerudo woman in the room, all of them taking brief sips before giving it back. Igesu was exempt from this drinking, Nosef walking past her and thrusting the porcelain pitcher towards Zelda's face.
The Princess recoiled in surprise, the smell permeating from the sloshing liquid inside making her toes curl and hair stick up. It was a sacrilegious blend of sweaty underwear and rotten fruit, its color a questionable pus green so murky she swore it could tell her future. "What is it?" The Princess inquired innocently, trying not to make her disgust so obvious.
"It does not matter, drink it." Nosef commanded.
"I would rather not."
She grinned maliciously, "Too much of a coward, I see."
Igesu smacked her sister's arm and scolded, "She does not need to drink it Nosef, stop being a pest."
The short-haired Gerudo gave Zelda a cross look before taking a sip of the concoction and walking away, handing it to Saboorudorf who took a gulp then set it to the side. The room still reeked of the awful stuff.
Telma made a pleased sound as she introduced the Chieftain to her handiwork, the Gerudo Matriarch finding great interest in whatever the bar maid had done. The Princess would have investigated their interaction further if Igesu hadn't implored her attention, gesturing to Nosef who reluctantly sat beside the monarch.
She tightened her navy bandana and picked at the tight fabric of her white dress, scowling at her sister who smiled happily. "Zeldadorf, why don't you introduce to us Hylian activities?" Igesu suggested.
Nosef rolled her eyes and sarcastically added, "Please do."
Zelda frowned, "And here I thought you were beginning to warm up to me Nosef."
"What do you mean?" Her brows furrowed as she appeared offended.
Igesu clarified by translating for her cold sister, "Nosef respects you very much Zeldadorf, it is just she was born without a nice bone in her body."
The Princess laughed, Nosef scowling at her sister before turning to her round belly to exclaim, "Do not listen to your mother, she is a liar!"
Igesu smacked her playfully on the arm, the three of them erupting in genuine giggles at the silly exchange. Zelda found great joy in their presence, the feeling of sisterhood was foreign yet comforting as she enjoyed their shared conversation. Nosef slowly opened herself more to the Princess, the moment of solidarity they had shared in the Desert still fresh on her mind as she listened to her speak of battle. Igesu seemed to always find a way to reconnect her sisters' good luck and experiences with the divine, her relaxed optimism complimented her sister's outspoken pessimism. She could only imagine the chaos that came when Dinaria would interact with them, she could see the fiery girl causing havoc in the most beautiful way.
Igesu and Nosef seemed to miss her mayhem as well, small breaks and pauses in their stories or statements seemed to hang low, waiting for someone to swoop in and snatch the topic for themselves. Telma left the Sanctuary with an easy farewell, Igesu waving her away with a blessing.
"Captain," Raerani called her attention gently.
Zelda, Igesu, and Nosef were so engrossed in their conversation about nothing that they hadn't noticed the tall figure standing patiently beside them. She held a plate of oil in her hands, gold bracelets shimmering with her freshly painted eyes. Her lips even seemed to be dressed in a thin layer of something, the shiny gloss distracting her company as they waited for the Gerudo warrior to respond.
Princess Zelda peered at Nosef who wore an expression of awe, cat eyes wide with surprise as she seemed to drink in Raerani's face. Zelda glanced between the two as Nosef took the plate with a hushed thanks, the usually well-put-together Gerudo blurting, "You changed your hair."
Quickly Zelda glanced at Raerani who didn't look any different to her, trying her hardest to not get caught staring for too long. Her hair appeared the same, orange and pulled into a tight bun with bangs parted slightly to the side – or were they cut straight across before?"
She covered her face in embarrassment and cooed, "You are the first person to notice! They don't look terrible, do they? I used to wear them this way all the time when–"
"–when we were younger." Nosef finished for her with a wide smile, "I remember. You let me cut them and I did a horrible job, so you parted them to the side. You are much better with hair than I am, they look beautiful on you."
Raerani giggled uncontrollably, "You did a wonderful job with them Nosef, that is why I love the style!"
Nosef kept staring at her with a goofy grin, the Princess unsure what she was witnessing. Just as the Gerudo noticed she had an audience, she cleared her throat and commanded, "Thank you for the blessing oil Raerani, carry on."
"Of course, Captain," She bowed, heading on her merry way.
Nosef placed the plate on her lap and wore a stoic expression, turning to Igesu without a word. The Priestess was just as still, back straight and face painted with a sly grin as she watched her sister tip a finger into the substance. Without a sound, Nosef drew circles on Igesu's skin with the oil, one on her forehead, chin, and the fabric on her chest.
Igesu was the first to speak, hush rolling of Gerudo words on her tongue quick like poetry.
Nosef tensed but continued her actions, placing a drop of oil in her sister's hands while responding calmly.
Igesu interrupted her with a scolding click, the warrior gritting her teeth and snapping at her.
"Nosef…" That was all Zelda understood from their back and forth as Igesu took control, her brows furrowed with genuine concern as Igesu shook her head.
"Vasta Igesu, Vasta!" Nosef shot, the room jumping from her outburst.
Saboorudorf chided her daughters from across the room in what Zelda assumed was a statement of either "Knock it off you two" or "Stop yelling". They muttered an apology and continued to bicker, Zelda feeling more and more detached as time passed.
"May I interrupt?" She queried, earning their attention. "Are you two fighting?"
Their mouths puckered in unison, eyes burning into one another; Igesu re-braiding her hair with a huff. Nosef narrowed her cat-like orbs, a dangerous warning on the tip of her long lashes. The only issue was that the priestess did not fear the warrior, proclaiming with the strength of the Sand Goddess behind her, "Nosef has a crush on Raerani."
It was as soft as a whispering wind that single handedly tore down a ten foot wall.
"I do not!" Nosef exclaimed fervently, face redder than the jewel on her forehead as she scrambled to rebuild her barrier. Zelda just sat there, mouth hanging in a surprised 'o' at the revelation.
Igesu snapped, "Yes you do! You always have, ever since we were little girls."
The usually rigid and organized Nosef started to unravel like the straw of Zelda's poorly woven basket, eyes scanning the room as she shushed her sister angrily.
Princess Zelda smiled, trying her best to calm down the warrior. "How sweet. It is apparent she fancies you as well, Nosef." She prayed her words would bring comfort to the Gerudo, but it only agitated her further.
A healthy blush spread across her cheeks and neck, crossing her arms as she firmly told herself, "It does not matter. I am her superior, it is taboo, the desert and lovers battling side by side is not optimal."
The brunette frowned.
"Good thing we are no longer in the desert then. Isn't that right Zeldadorf?" Igesu cast her a sly grin, urging the Princess to support her. Zelda took the hint and found herself agree with it; she fought side by side with her lover constantly, why couldn't Nosef?
"You seem to like her around, I do not see any reason to not try and give it a chance." The Princess and Priestess nodded in agreement.
"You both do not seem to understand," Nosef snarled with her fists clenched, "It will seem as if I am picking favorites! She is such a strong fighter, I do not wish to tarnish that reputation with doubt that her captain gave her the position because she is in love with her!" Her shoulders began to shake as she grabbed an azure pillow and stuffed her face in it, screaming into the softness like an angsty teen. That was a valid concern, her groans of discontent explaining how long she had dwelled on the problem.
Zelda understood; however, she couldn't ignore a vital part of her confession. "Are you in love with her?" She pondered, raising a brow at the slip Nosef hadn't noticed left her lips.
Nosef sighed, lifting her head up slightly from the pillow, eyes searching through her bangs as she mumbled, "...Yes." Back she buried herself, fingers digging into her scalp as she came up for air, scolding herself along the way. "And it is becoming increasingly harder to hide it. She has always had a brightness I could only dream of possessing, fights with the ferocity of the Sand Goddess herself, and can read me like the night sky. I have tried getting her out of my head, but no woman could measure to her; so many hearts I have broken, all because her image blesses my mind each time I close my eyes." Guilt tugged on her brows while sunflower eyes shimmered fondly.
"Nosef, I do not believe I have ever seen your cheeks so pink before," Zelda teased, hoping to lighten the mood.
She scowled, "Shut up! Even if I did tell her how I felt, there are far more perfect women to suit her. Ones that are nicer and more sociable than me."
Igesu rubbed her back with soothing circles, the Princess determined to build her up. "Come Nosef, you are a great many things. Determined, strong, even funny when you let loose." The warrior glared at her with a grumble. "Why not invite her on an outing?" She beamed, clasping her hands together in excitement. Igesu gasped in agreement, voicing Zelda's thoughts of how much Raerani would appreciate it.
"N-No way!" The stubborn Gerudo sneered.
"If you ask Raerani on a date, then I will drink what is left of that stinky juice," Zelda wagered with a smirk, the thought coming to her in a clever ray of sunlight.
Nosef paused, interest piqued. "...All that is left?" The warrior raised a sharp brow, her playful side showing.
"Every. Last. Drop." She spoke each syllable carefully, enticing her with a challenging tone and wicked cheshire grin.
Her short strands curled with excitement; Dinaria must have learned mischief from her sister. "...Fine," She agreed with a huff, "But what should I say?"
Igesu chimed in, "Give her a gift!"
"Yes, what does she like?" Zelda leaned forward.
Nosef glanced behind her shoulder, hoping no one was listening as she whispered, "Berries. She loved them almost as much as Dinaria did, but I have run out of cactus fruit."
Inspiration struck like a bolt of lightning. Zelda produced the jar of raspberries and held them out to Nosef, her cheeks just as red. "Would these do? They are from our community garden."
"You would give them to me?" Her brows furrowed with wariness, like a dog not accustomed to gestures of kindness.
"Of course," Zelda reassured, extending it out farther for her to take, "You are members of our community, after all."
She faltered, hand pricking with hesitation as her palm hovered above the Princess's. Raerani's infectious laughter blossomed behind them, and in the blink of an eye the jar was gone, resting firmly against Nosef's chest. "Give me a moment. I want to wait for the right time."
Knock Knock!
The three whipped around to the door with a jolt, ears honing in on the voice from the outside.
"Princess Zelda, it's me!" exclaimed Ashei. The Princess trotted to the door and welcomed her friend in, the red-clad warrior sticking out amongst a sea of white. Her silver eyes were sunken from lack of sleep, her metal boots tapping anxiously on the Sanctuary floor.
Zelda grimaced with unease, stumbling on her tongue to call toward Igesu, "Um, duty." The Priestess nodded, rubbing her belly with pride. "You do not look well Ashei," Zelda worried.
"I'm fine. Anxious is all. These days are getting short Your Highness, the sky is beginning to fill with storm clouds." She crossed her arms for warmth as she shivered.
"Are we ready?" Zelda swallowed.
"Ready as we ever will be," Ashei frowned, "All my men are in position. Earl Kemp and his soldiers are littered along the gates and watchtower. Zoras and Gorons are acting as defense, but no one knows what to expect. The ground is covered, but I can't help but feel vulnerable."
The monarch placed her hands on the woman's shoulders and gave her a tight squeeze of encouragement. "We will succeed," She assured her, "You have done a great job."
Ashei gave a dry laugh, thanking Zelda with a smirk. "You should see Link. He's been running around like a chicken with his head cut off, keeping everyone organized and in line. My men like to talk to him, he doesn't say much but he sure does have a knack for stirring confidence in people."
"Fighting alongside the Hero of Twilight does that," Zelda smiled.
"We're ready on this end. Let's have this baby."
…
"Here," Igesu removed her gold circle earrings and handed them to her sister, imploring her to put them on. Zelda sat down just in time to watch Nosef don the large jewelry, jar in hand as she stood with a sigh. It must have been a gesture of good luck, passing the magic of your clothing onto another, the Gerudo warrior appeared more relaxed.
She uttered a quick prayer, Zelda's heart beating simultaneously with her steps as she approached Raerani from across the room. Igesu rubbed her belly slowly, words pouring from her mouth like a babbling brook. May Din and the Sand Goddess give her strength.
"Captain!" Raerani gasped when she noticed Nosef had tapped her shoulder, jumping into attention.
Nosef looked at the floor, hands behind her back as she spoke to Raerani's shoes in a low mumble. Never had Zelda seen her so awkwardly carry herself, her arm stiff as she produced the small jar of ruby berries. They couldn't hear her speak, but Raerani was loud in her gasp of pleasant surprise. Her honey orbs shined as her smile turned goofy and large, voice trembling with excitement as she asked, "I-Is that for me?"
Igesu and Zelda sighed in relief, waiting for the response. Nosef's legs began to shake underneath her dress, beads of sweat forming on her brow. "Ahem," she cleared her throat, "Raerani, would you… Would you join me in...training."
The Princess jolted back in shock, brows furrowed in disbelief. That was it? To train? Igesu touched her arm and looked at her with wide eyes, hand over her mouth as she whispered, "Nosef never lets anyone see her practice!"
This really must have been a serious milestone, even Raerani was taken aback at the invitation. Her face went red and bun tightened, her pause causing Nosef to peer up anxiously. "I-I am sorry, that was stupid of me to–"
"Of course I would." Raerani interrupted, taking the jar in her hands and holding it there, orbs twinkling as they begged her not to take it back.
Nosef's eyes widened to the size of the moon as she looked at her, the feeling of her skin melting her cold exterior. "R-Really?" She questioned, unsure of what her ears were hearing.
"I would love to train with you, Nosef." Raerani bubbled with energy.
Zelda felt a warmth in her heart at the sight; love in every form danced the air around them. She turned to Igesu who smiled weakly at them, eyes somewhere else as she rubbed her belly in thought. Her red lips parted to speak the truth in her heart, voice gentle like flower petals. "All I want is to see my sister happy…" She trailed off, meeting Zelda's gaze with misty orbs. "You should always tie up loose ends before a baby is born Zeldadorf, welcome change with a clean slate."
The Hylian nodded, agreeing with the idea. Igesu only continued, "I still have not picked a name for him. Voe are named after Gerudo heroes, but I have yet to think of one that suits him. I have had one in my mind, but I am unsure if the Goddess will be pleased with it."
"Maybe once you see his face, it will come to you." said Zelda.
Igesu smiled. "No, I do not think it will."
A pregnant silence befell both of them.
"You and I did not spend much time together while you were at the village. I am happy to say I feel very close to you now." Igesu beamed.
"I agree, you are good company, and I find your insight helpful." Zelda complimented genuinely.
She laughed without hesitation, "The feeling is mutual. The Sand Goddess assured me you were of pure heart; she watches over you with great interest."
"I believe our Gods do the same for you, Igesu."
Her hand reached over to take Zelda's, declaring, "I am glad to have gotten to know you Zeldadorf."
"AY!" Nosef bellowed, grabbing Zelda's attention with a hook and reeling it in. A putrid smell reached her nose and she gagged, the jug of strange liquid waiting patiently beside her. The Gerudo stood over it exuberantly, hands on her hips as she grinned from ear to ear, her end of the bargain happily paid for with rosy cheeks. "Bottoms up," She joked, pointing to the remaining drops. "You are lucky, only half a gulp remains."
Princess Zelda accepted her fate with grace, lifting the jar with two hands and pressing her lips against the spout, closing her eyes as she felt the cold touch her skin. It flowed onto her tongue and down her throat, it was tart but not horrible. It slid down into her belly with ease, smell the worst part of it as they happily rested in her stomach. She felt heat seep into her limbs, a dull ache throbbing in her lower back. It became worse and worse, spreading to her abdomen as the cramp became unbearable. She doubled over, the other women doing the same as they let out a series of groans.
She knew this pain well, it visited her every full moon, but it was not her time, and why did the others respond in perfect unison? "W-What was in that drink?" She winced.
"It is a sacred drink, uniting our bodies for a short period of time. We are feeling Igesu's pain, we scream for her as she delivers our King." Saboorudorf explained, the room shifting as the Priestess moved to lay down.
Zelda's face went white as bed sheets. "Are you saying we can feel her contractions?"
"Yes," Saboorudorf nodded, "Luckily you only drank a small portion. Your pain will be minimal Zeldadorf; by the time she is pushing, you should be fine."
"Please stay though," Igesu grabbed her arm, "I cannot make a single sound, and your voice will give me strength to keep my lips sealed shut."
"Have you been in pain this whole time?" The Princess wondered, the Priestess's silent smile was answer enough. Zelda touched her hand and nodded, "Of course Igesu, do not fear."
Another wave of pain crashed over her, some women groaned while others cried, Igesu laying still as a breath on the pillows. Saboorudorf lifted her daughter's skirts and inspected with a hum, announcing very nervously, "He will be here soon."
…
She never let go of Zelda's hand.
Blood moons, absorbing personalities, a threatening presence looming over your unborn child. There was so much on Igesu's shoulders, still she smiled as if there wasn't a care in the world. Her palms were sweaty, gold and bronze bangles glistening like her brow as she lay on her back, mute. Her fingers twitched with burning anxiety, a similar heat engulfing Zelda's abdomen in pain.
Zelda had never seen childbirth in action before, rarely talked about the rumored miracle. Igesu looked mildly frightened; what about this was magical?
"Breathe," Saboorudorf commanded, a gentle breeze escaping her daughter's lips while the women surrounding her released loud cries. Nosef aided her mother, stealing glances at her sister before focusing on the process. Igesu's copper braid was undone, chest heaving and jewel dim on her forehead – gold focused on blue as she beamed.
The others were praying, loudly calling upon their ancient mother; Zelda was merely a step-child. Yet, she felt it was her duty to pray. Nayru, Din, Farore, all who reigned in their pantheon were called to action by Hylia's mortal vessel. She hoped they could get along with the stubborn Goddess of the Sand.
Igesu squeezed her fingers just as an excruciating pang consumed the Princess's mind, her free fist slamming into the floor as she fought back tears. "Y-You are doing great," She winced, fighting to be her rock through all of it. By the Gods, how long had they been at this? Minutes? Hours? It almost felt like a century.
"Igesu breathe dammit!" Nosef scolded, the Priestess opening her mouth to give a big sigh, red skin returning to its caramel tan. The group screamed until their voices became raspy, Zelda the only one holding back while Igesu suffered in silence. She threw her head back with a guttural gasp before biting her lip until it bled, the Princess no longer cared about the cultural implications – she wished her friend would just let it out!
Igesu's arched back returned to a relaxed position, breaths shaky as they inched closer. Saboorudorf grunted in displeasure, there was still a ways to go.
"Z-Zeldadorf," Igesu stuttered, sand colored eyes hooded with fatigue as she pulled her hand closer, unable to speak higher than a whisper.
Zelda leaned in, waiting for the words she knew lingered on sanguine lips. More stabbing pain shot through her, but she fought through it, the others falling over to cry. Igesu stared at her torpidly, waiting.
A loud wave of screams sounded from outside the adobe walls of the Sanctuary, the monarch whipping around to see Telma in the doorway, eyes wide with horror. "Your Highness you need to see this!" She exclaimed, hair frazzled and face white with fear. Something was terribly wrong, Zelda could see it in her moss eyes.
Igesu.
She turned back to the Priestess who smiled pleasantly at her, begging her to go. Zelda's gut twisted at the idea of leaving her, but she understood that Hylia needed to serve her people. She released her grip on the Princess's hand, and finished her sentence. "Please...protect my vevhi."
"He will not lay a finger on him, I promise you!" Princess Zelda stood up, watching as she nodded in thanks.
Time was of the essence – she leapt across the room toward Telma, the white maternity dress snagging on the wooden door just as they ran out together. It tore at the bottom, her mind just as split as she doubled over in pain. Her knees hit the dirt ground, palms bitten with pebbles as the shadows hid her tears.
"Your Highness!" Telma gasped, but it was Link who helped her back up, his presence a breath of relief before she–
"BLESSED MOTHER, WHAT IS THAT!" Zelda screamed without thinking, eyes glued on the skies as she stumbled with fright.
A large amber moon shone dimly in the night sky, and before it was a mass of abysmal despair. Its ebony form hovered above the village, stars died beside it on the celestial plane as it swam like a drowning bug. It had a face, both man and beast, purple and red flames tracing the implied features. A rumbling roar shook the earth, and the village covered their ears. Zelda couldn't peel her eyes away from it, and that was when she noticed the creature on its back.
The Spirit Lanayru wrapped itself around the beast and squeezed, its body becoming mist as it slithered out of its grasp. The serpent entity snapped at it with long blinding fangs, Eldin swooping in with talons bared to snatch Lanayru out of the way of the mass's miasma.
Zelda could not believe her eyes, The Great Spirit Faron and Ordona charged at the creature as it morphed into a monster with fangs taller than the castle towers. The Spirits raged war with it, their cries grew louder and louder as they fought. They were hurt, she could feel it in her heart as tears like shooting stars fell from their wounds. Demise was using all his power, He needed the child; and as the Gerudo bellowed, He roared.
"W-What do we do?!" Ashei shouted, everyone frozen in place as Lanayru slithered away with shimmering wounds.
"I-I do not know," She covered her mouth as Faron and Ordona fell back to Earth, Eldin the last Spirit standing. It dodged and evaded every attack, but this momentum was short lived. The beast faked another burst of miasma, and as Eldin flapped its wings to clear the air, it lunged, chomping razor sharp teeth into the Spirit as it cried out, tearing itself out of the demon's mouth before falling toward the Spring. Eldin vanished, and Kakariko stilled with silence.
Zelda grabbed Link's arm as they stared at the thing, two blanketing wings ripping through black flesh as it prepared itself to consume the village in darkness. Hysteria possessed them as the dead eyes of the smoky creature bore into them, but just as it began its descent, it stopped.
Or rather, it was stopped.
The moment it came in contact with the unseeable barrier, the sky lit up like day. It was hush again, the only sound echoing through the canyon was the thump of the beast ramming itself repeatedly into the barrier. Zelda's heart began to race as she knew who protected them so dearly.
"Din, give that barrier strength!" She prayed, hand beginning to glow as if in warning. Link looked at his and frowned; they both felt useless. The creature slammed iincessantlyinto the magic, and Zelda's belly ached in ways she never knew possible.
"I-It's cracking!" Rusl pointed to the hairline fracture that appeared above them, the demon still shoving hard against it. The barrier would give in soon, and then what?
The village was deathly silent, their eyes filled with the darkness that threatened them. Zelda wanted to cry out to her people, beg them to run and hide, but she knew they wouldn't listen. Ashei and her men struggled to stay put, Link's face almost angry at the creature. That was when the Princess heard it, a voice below a whisper sweetly grabbed her attention.
The blade on Link's back glowed like dying candlelight – the spirit of the Master Sword knew this enemy, but instead of calling her master, she chose her forger; gave itself to the hands of Hylia's newest form for just a moment. The ground trembled in fear as more cracks began to break through, the most horrifying sound killing the silence amongst them.
Igesu's screams of pain ripped through the night air just as the barrier crumbled, shards of magic like broken glass falling from the heavens as the demon descended. Zelda stole the sword off Link's back and ran, white skirt in her hands as she ignored her friends' cries. She wasn't thinking, it was pure instinct taking over as she looked up to face the monster with a frown, the Master Sword heavy in her hand as red orbs threatened her. Skyward she held it, pointed tip targeting just between its soulless eyes. An electrifying energy coursed through her veins, holy magic flowing out the blade like blood from a heart that had never beaten in her chest. It came in the form of blinding blue light, sent the hairs on her neck and arms upwards, her feet pressed firmly into the ground and birthmark radiant like the sun.
The ray hit the beast and it screeched, pulsing back at her as its wings spread out. She gripped the sword until her knuckles went white, abdomen burning and teeth clenched as she struggled. Two hands now, she stood, the weight only growing heavier as the creature beat its horrendous wings down toward its prize.
Zelda's wrists felt ready to snap, but the fire in her would not be snuffed out. "You cannot have him!" She vociferated until her throat was raw. Something snapped and she fell to her knees, a haunting emptiness decaying in her insides – she felt herself die a little, her arms still holding the sword above her head as red tears fell onto the dirt. It was crushing her, the beast pushing closer and closer to the earth; black spotted her vision but still she persisted, blindly believing in the light that pooled around her.
It cackled at her attempts, the air growing colder. Warmth invaded her skin, and weakly, she lifted her head, blood running down her cheek. Link knelt beside her, his hands over hers as he helped her fight back, his strength easing the pain on her shoulders as they both began to stand. His face went red as they thrusted the beast back, the blue beam lighting up his stern features like fresh moonlight. Together they fought to keep it away, combined strength mixing into a bright yellow glow that shredded a grotesque wing.
The beast screeched, glass windows shattering throughout Kakariko. Two Triforces burned brightly on the hands of the sword wielders, Link grunting as his energy began to drain and arms grew strained. They looked at one another, fear and determination battling within their united gazes as they agreed to fight until the end. Link was beginning to pale, and just as a metallic taste filled her mouth, the Princess felt another hand rest on hers.
Nosef held the shaft and lent her strength beside them, her dress stained with blood and fluids as she firmly aided with vanquishing the demon. Zelda looked at her in awe, the three giving their all as the beast pressed their feet deeper and deeper into the ground until mounds of dirt covered their toes. Another hand appeared, Ashei's pauldrons reflecting the light pouring from the Master Sword. Ilia wrapped her fingers around Zelda's fatigued elbow and pushed, supporting her joint and lifting the blade higher.
Zelda's heart began to swell as more and more people joined. Shad, Telma, Rusl, and the Virgins rested their hands on their shoulders and lent their strength; Harod, Gor Coron, King Ralis, people young and old came together to sacrifice their energy. The synchronization of hearts beating in unison caused the light to burn hotter than the sun, the beast shoved far into the heavens as it screamed.
The whole village supported the Princess and her Hero, Kakariko fought to defend the Gerudo child as it struggled to enter the world. She felt it, the demon was running out of energy, Dark's words echoing in her mind – she swore she heard him laughing at the fleeting creature of darkness.
"I will not...let you taint...this child!" She swore with the millions of stars as her witness. Hylia has sealed Demise before, she would do it again! With a final voice-shattering cry, she gave her all; and she swore that in the corner of her eye, she saw her precious little ones add to the blade of light that stabbed into fleshy blob of darkness. Its face tore off the front as its core was ripped to shreds. Its visage became a thick mist as it traveled back to the castle, its trail consuming the stars as it ran. What remained of its body collapsed in on itself, transforming to an ashy smoke that disappeared with the breeze, in its place was a brilliant aurora that swayed in the image of the Triforce.
The village erupted into clamorous cheers as they hugged one another and cried tears of happiness. Zelda's arm finally rested, the Master Sword falling from her grasp as she fell back, limp body collapsing into the ground with a weak smile.
It hurt to breathe, yet she laughed, body vibrating as it refused to move. She looked up at the moon, now white like the petal of a calla lily, and felt herself unwind. If she could celebrate, she would, but her body couldn't get up, so she listened as her people praised everything good in the world. Link fell to her side, taking her face in his hands and pressing his forehead against hers. He was frightened, and with what remained of her strength, she lifted her hand a few inches up from the ground. He took it and placed her ripped knuckles to his lips, using his thumb to brush the last bloody tear from her face.
He was so worried, it made her heart ache to see him so scared. "Fine…" She shushed from strained vocal cords. He wrapped his arm behind her shoulders and helped her into a sitting position, other arm underneath her legs as he lifted her up into his embrace. Her energy was slowly coming back, and gently, she turned her head to a teary-eyed Nosef.
Her lip trembled as she tried to keep it stiff, fat droplets rolling down her cheeks as she held in her fist a beaded bracelet, a single white pearl on both ends. "S-She knew…" Nosef wailed, "She always knew!" The stable Gerudo crumbled like broken rock, Raerani running to her side just as the Sanctuary doors burst open.
Princess Zelda's heart shattered, the realization wounding her more than the ache in her bones. Her left hand dug into Link's tunic as she gripped him with her sadness, the ovation of her people ebbing into concerned hush as the somber Gerudos pooled into the streets. With her stormy eyes, the monarch implored Link to set her down and help her stand, and his legs became hers as they approached the others.
Sabooru emerged from the sea of white with an unveiled face, her mature features open to the Gods as her tired eyes wandered to the Princess. Wetness caught in the fine lines by her eyes, cinnamon colored lips struggling between a smile and a frown, a newly-discovered scar on her cheek dancing as her face twitched. In her bloodied arms was a wrapped bundle, the soft sound of breathing ringing from under her black veil.
Her voice quavered, "I-I have lost two daughters...But my p-people...they now have...a future." She lifted the thin fabric to reveal a small pudgy face with bright copper hair and the richest of gold eyes. His pouted lips held the promise of a tranquil demeanor just like his mother, the sweetest little yawn escaping him as he decided to rest.
He was so small. Delicate and beautiful as he peacefully lay in his grandmother's arms. Igesu, did she even get to hold her son? Zelda began to cry, Link helping her get a better look at the baby. Sabooru happily let her see him, reaching into his wrappings to produce his hand, the tan of a triangular birthmark on the back.
Link gasped in concern, had they failed, was this all for not?
No, when Zelda looked at the mark, she knew it was the beginning of a new era. The child was born with the power to change things for the better, his heart already glowing with pure light as she gazed at him. Sabooru was worried, but the Princess assured her there was nothing to fear. She fought to proclaim, "Din...has not been tainted...His mother...and the Sand Goddess will watch over him." With her strong arm, she opened a clenched fist and revealed the Goron Ruby gleaming eagerly inside. "Your Auntie Dinaria...protects you as well, little one…"
She turned to the Gorons for their approval, Gor Coron nodding, "We would have it no other way, Your Highness."
"Thank you," Sabooru bowed her head, taking the jewel and placing it on her grandson's forehead. "Words can never express how thankful we are for your help, Zeldadorf. You banished the evil, and saved my people from repeating our dark history. We are indebted to you."
Zelda found herself with enough strength to say, "This marks an age of unity between our people."
Sabooru's eyes lingered on the sleeping baby in her arms as she stated, "Gerudo voe are named after great Heroes; my daughter wanted him to be named after a champion of peace."
"What did she decide?" Zelda wondered.
Sabooru's mouth turned up at the corners. "Zeldadorf. Right before she joined the Sand Goddess...She said she wanted to name him Zeldadorf."
Her eyes widened, shock causing her ribs to hurt as she gasped. She was honored, but were they sure it was the right decision? The look on Sabooru's face was evidence enough, and she looked at the precious little Zeldadorf with warmth.
Nosef grabbed her shoulders and pulled her into a strong hug, her tears dripping onto the Princess's shoulder as she announced, "You and Igesu were prepared to die to protect my nephew; because of this, you have proven yourself my sister." The other women hummed in agreement, mourning thick on their faces as they remembered the fallen Priestess. Raerani helped Nosef away as she released the Princess with a sob, the infant dorf stirring from the commotion.
As sad as she was, Zelda felt more hopeful than ever, embracing the light that light the valley and shone in her heart. Demise was still out there, the sight of what remained of him retreating to the castle guiding her next plan. This would not be over until the Old God was banished from the Realm of Light, until she could look out onto her free kingdom from the throne room, until these events were nothing more than a bad dream. Her people and the Gerudos gathered to admire the baby; Ilia was already planning a way to celebrate with the Virgins, reminding everyone of the festival from a time of brightness and joy.
Link put his hand on Zelda's shoulder and she turned to him with happiness overflowing from her wounded heart. His cerulean orbs were as large as the moon, arm pointing down toward the ground with a tremble. She followed his gaze and the cheering became a disturbance she wished would cease.
The Master Sword lay, blade shattered into a hundred pieces, shaft mangled and yellow gem cracked into a dull brown. Evil's Bane – the holiest of weapons on the mortal plane – older than light itself, broken. The spirit of the blade was gone, all that remained was scrap metal. How would they challenge Demise without the only sword able to banish him? The Master Sword was no more.
The beginning of the end.
Special thanks to: Oracle of Hylia, Generala, Guest (1), Anon, Guest (2), Guest (3), Ultimate blazer.
My editor: SunnyAirisu222
Let me know how I'm going, eat your fruits and vegetables, see ya at the end of the month!