Chapter Four: A Drawer Full of Clean Socks
"I wonder what time it is," Malon said nonchalantly. "The light under the door is getting a bit fainter."
"I imagine it's about' four or five," replied Rook. "Don't worry lass, someone will find us."
Malon smiled and sat back down on her crate. Her father must be worried sick. Good. He should be she thought. Oh what was she saying! She loved her father dearly, she didn't want him to worry…just maybe come and do these deliveries every once and a while, then she wouldn't be in here right now. Not that she was complaining either. Sure, maybe Rook was rough around the edges, and sure, he was no knight in shining armor…but Malon had to acknowledge that she judged him too harshly. That in itself surprised her for she usually had a good word about everyone. Even if she didn't she made one up. She looked at him and for once she found him not to be looking at her first. His arms rested on his knees and his hands were tearing apart a bit of straw that had blown in under the door. Or maybe it was already in there…who cares she thought, this was a stable, hay was everywhere and…oh now she was talking to herself in her head! Why on earth was she behaving so silly and…
"Hey Malon, I hear someone," Rook got up and tried to look through one of the cracks in between the boards of the door. Malon got up too and stood next to him. Her head only came to about his shoulders as they stood side by side and her shoulder brushed up against him.
"I can't see anybody," Malon said and backed up a bit, "but I do hear someone."
"Aye, hold on a minute Firefly and I'll get us out of here," Rook took a step back and slammed his shoulder into the door, making in rattle. "Hey! Out there, could ye lend us a han'? This bloody door won't budge." By everything that the Goddesses created in the world, this was so embarrassing.
The movement of feet stopped for a moment, and then started to come closer down to their side of the stable. They heard stifled laughter as the steps paused in front of the door.
"Oh by the Goddesses…" Rook groaned and turned his back away. Malon took his viewing spot in front of the open boards.
"Link! Don't just stand there and laugh! Open the door!" Malon yelled at him, slamming her palms against it in aggravation.
"Should I even ask what you two are doing in there?" Link grinned foolishly, still trying to stifle his laughter.
"Ha ha, yeah, we're all laughing hero, now open this up or you'll think that Ganondorf was your best friend!" Malon shouted.
"Ouch," Link snickered and forced up the wooded latch that was jammed. "You guys got this thing pretty gummed up, what did you do to it?" Malon brushed past him.
"The wind slammed it shut, we didn't do anything."
"Uh-huh," came Link's reply. Rook stalked out of the storage room and gave Link a look. By everything unda' the heavens Link, ye so much as say a word 'bout this to anyone and I'll personally kick yer ass.
Malon stretched and then checked to see the position of the sun in the sky for the time. She hurried back into the stable.
"Nayru, my dad is gonna kill me! I gotta go, Rook…" she trailed off, "maybe we'll see about those crates next week. I gotta go." Malon quickly turned and hurried up the path to her cart. She didn't know what to say to Rook now, it was so awkward, her only escape (from that and the teasing she could expect from Link) was to get out of there as quickly as she could. Link and Rook watched her go.
"I don't want ta' hear it Link, not one word," Rook pointed his finger accusingly at Link.
"I don't know what you're talking about Rook," Link smiled innocently and shrugged his shoulders. "What? Is that a bit of blush in your cheeks I see? Now come come Rook, you know Malon isn't that type of girl." He laughed as Rook stormed away out the stable.
***
The moon was high as the girls trotted across the big open field. It was so wide and empty, it would be a wonder that they didn't get lost. The breeze was warm and cool at the same time and the only noise you could hear was the crickets chirping in the long grass and the dull thud of the horses' hooves on the soft ground. They rode in silence for long periods of time not exactly sure why, perhaps because this kind of night just called for it. It was so eerie and hushed that at times it sent a shiver down your spine. Knowing you are not supposed to be there invites those kinds of feelings.
The red earth of the valley loomed in font of them, in its own way calling them home. Balius and Xanthus snorted at a new scent and trotted a bit quicker it seemed. Loraefin wrapped her coat around her tighter, trying to keep the spring breeze off of her skin. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Megeara do the same. The girl looked up above to the stars, they being the only thing about the land that was familiar to her now. Up the trail they went, the canyon walls casting huge shadows from the brilliant moon. Balius and Xanthus snorted fitfully at the dark and pranced a little in their step while they walked. The water from Zora's River could be heard everywhere in the canyon as it fell over the falls. The main bridge loomed above the river, which continued to run its course far, far below the planks. The horses' hooves clunked noisily on the wood, but their sound was drowned out by the splashing of the falls. Balius neighed tensely and Loraefin stroked his neck, making him calm down and walk once again. She herself was not too terribly fond of this bridge. She looked back at Megeara and smiled, perhaps in her own way to keep up confidence.
Suddenly Xanthus reared up and neighed in fright, sending Megeara sprawling to the ground. The horse came crashing back down on its front legs and Megeara had to dash out of the way so not to be trampled by the massive hooves. Loraefin and Megeara screamed as the boards on the bridge shook under the horses weight as he galloped off and to the other side, stopping there as if to wait impatiently. Megeara stared blankly after her horse surprised, and at the same time almost guilty for making him go on the bridge he was afraid of. After a few moments she realized she was holding her breath and started to breathe again.
"Wouldn't want to fall down there," Megeara said, looking down through the planks and instantly shivering. It was a long, long, way down to the bottom.
"Are you okay? What got into Xanthus?" Loraefin asked, going to help her up.
"I don't know what got into him, he's never done that before," she replied. "Then again when was the last time we were on a bridge with no sides what seems like five miles (bit of exaggeration) above a rushing waterfall and river."
"And there is a sign back there telling people not to jump off the bridge, like anyone would be so stupid," Loraefin added. Megeara got back Xanthus and promptly scolded him for scaring her so. He whinnied to the extent of what could be an apology and they continued. The cliff walls were high and threatening to the two young Gerudo girls (okay, half Hylian, but who's being picky?) as they made their way back to what could have been home. They exchanged nervous glances, unsure if what they were about to do was right or not, but they were there, and there was no point in going back now. Balius and Xanthus were tied to an old log just outside of the fortress, not wanting to make an entrance whatsoever into there.
They crept quickly and quietly through the shadows, just skimming the outskirts of the fortress beyond sight. The girls had no idea what they were getting into, and if perhaps they were taken out of themselves for a moment to see what they were doing they would think themselves crazy. But the desire to see the Gerudo, to see their history and where they came from, was a strong incentive that blocked all rational the two could have concocted. They were working only on adrenaline and excitement, a dangerous combination. Another breeze blew by and made the red flag on top of its pole wave peacefully with it. Megeara looked up and saw it, wondering the purpose for it being placed in such a solitary spot, if it had any meaning at all or simply just there. The two stuck close to the cliff wall, darting up the stairs as the cliff opened to them. The bastion, the fortress, rose from the desert ground with mud and stone walls seemingly undecorated and plain to any traveled person, but the girls, it appeared as awe inspiring and gigantic as anyone could imagine. They quickly spied a pile of crates that backed up to a large rock, creating a sheltered area in which to hide and they stole away there.
"This is unbelievable," Megeara laughed under her breath, still panting from their swift scramble. "We're here, we actually made it."
"We're nuts, we're absolutely nuts," Loraefin added. "I can't believe this, this is the stupidest thing we've ever done."
"I admit, this one tops the rest," Megeara grinned and carefully peered over the crate. "We are now officially women Loraefin, look at us now."
"Your definition of being a woman is certainly interesting," Loraefin laughed, excitement rushing through her. "According to Lola it's…"
"Oh I was kidding!" Megeara smacked her.
Two Gerudo guards came out of one of the lighted doors of the fortress. Both girls immediately quieted down and tried to stay as hidden as they could. Megeara could hear her heart pounding in her head as her pulse quickened and her palms began to sweat. Loraefin gulped hard and held her breath unintentionally, afraid that the slightest move would make the guards aware of their presence. The women were talking with one another, but they were too far away and it only came as muffled hums and noises. They were beautiful, Loraefin thought and no doubt Megeara was thinking the same. Their tan skin was highlighted in the light from the doorway, their red hair tied high on top of their heads had not a strand out of place and the prowess in which they carried themselves was something the two could not put into words. This was them, a part of them that until now, were never able to see or experience for themselves except through their grandmothers and that was not to be compared. Thirty-eight years ago their grandmothers had been here, thirty-eight years ago they themselves were never even a possibility to be created, it was almost humbling.
"Look at them," Megeara whispered, "all this time we've been wondering, all this time we've been guessing, and now they are here right in front of us to answer questions and we can't ask them." Loraefin nodded in agreement.
A crunch of the desert sand sounded behind them.
"Ask us what trespasser?"
***
Link was back in his house at Kokiri. He mused humorously about Rook and Malon earlier that day in the stable. He thought Malon couldn't stand Rook. Oh well. He also looked back on the miracle that had happened that day as well, when he saw a new life brought into this world. No matter what, he wanted children…just not to be the one to give birth to them…Link shuttered at the very thought. No, his wife could handle that department…whoever she would be…he wondered that too. Upon his return to the forest he found that the Deku Tree Sprout had summoned him and he went in a hurry. There was nothing quite like a chat with the Deku Tree Sprout, always chattering and so…so young. Of course, the sprout held more wisdom than Link could hope to learn ten lifetimes, but he still acted like a child. Perhaps it was fitting, being here with the Kokiri and all.
The path to the Great Deku Tree's meadow was a well traveled path for him, having gone there many times before whether he was summoned by the sprout or just wanted some quiet. The trail opened onto the big clearing, revealing once again the gigantic form of the Great Deku Tree (now just a hollow skeleton) looming behind the much smaller, but very much alive, Deku Sprout. Link sighed inwardly and walked down the footpath to the Sprout's side, first asking him how he was, and then inquiring about the nature of this summoning. The Sprout was not his usual, energetic self, that was the first thing Link noticed, but nor did he look sad either…just calm. He raised his eyebrows in curiosity.
"What is it Deku Tree Sprout?" Link asked, concern almost on the edge of his voice. The sprout, being only a sprout (Link sometimes laughed when he thought of the day that he would call him Deku Tree Sapling or some such nonsense) could not turn to speak to Link's face, but at least turned his eyes upward.
"I think the question is what is wrong with you Link," the sprout responded, slowly curling his leaves in and out as if stretching his limbs if he had any. A puzzled look glazed Link's face.
"Nothing Deku Sprout, why would you ask."
The sprout again twisted his leaves and looked up at Link.
"Come down here where I don't have to crane my eyes to see you," he urged Link rather than ordered him. Link sat down cross-legged in front of him as he was asked.
"Is there a reason you called me here Deku Tree Sprout?" Link asked again. The sprout just looked at him as if he were waiting for Link to say something. Link stared back at him for a few moments before the silence drove him to speak. "Really, what's wrong?" More silence and staring. "Deku Tree Sprout, if there is something wrong I need to know, please don't sit there and just stare at me!" This time the sprout blinked at least.
"You are worried about something," the sprout finally said. Link knit his eyebrows together.
"Ganondorf has been banished to the Evil Realm for eternity, Hyrule is safe, and I have a drawer full of clean socks, what would I be worried about?" Link grinned in hopes of breaking the Deku Sprout out of this weird mood of his. Not that he was entirely up to the normal happy perky Sprout right now, but it was better than this.
"You are worried, I have felt it for some time now. I thought you would come here to talk about it with me, but it seems that you think you have it completely under control," he raised his eyebrows (what you could call eyebrows, being made of wood an all…) and continued to stare at Link. Link felt his face flush a bit. He couldn't keep something from the Deku Tree Sprout…Link sometimes-hated telepathy and that pre-knowing sense. He gulped. "You forget Link that I am a direct descendent of the Great Deku Tree, though he is gone, he and the forest spirits still speak to me. There is something in the air…something mortals cannot sense…it is so faint that even I can barely feel it...like it is far, far away."
"Perhaps it is a mistake then," Link suggested. "I bet it could be a lot of things…the Sages just came back a little while ago as you know…it's probably that." Nobody can find out about the future. That would change everything perhaps for the worst…worse than it already is.
"You could be right," said the sprout. "But all the same Link, keep your eyes open and your fighting skills sharp…I sense danger coming."
Link tensed.
"It's probably just repercussions of the Sages' traveling," he told him again and rose from the ground. The sprout smiled at him.
"As you see it Link, perhaps I was mistaken, I apologize for making you concerned."
Link walked out of the meadow.
"I wonder what time it is," Malon said nonchalantly. "The light under the door is getting a bit fainter."
"I imagine it's about' four or five," replied Rook. "Don't worry lass, someone will find us."
Malon smiled and sat back down on her crate. Her father must be worried sick. Good. He should be she thought. Oh what was she saying! She loved her father dearly, she didn't want him to worry…just maybe come and do these deliveries every once and a while, then she wouldn't be in here right now. Not that she was complaining either. Sure, maybe Rook was rough around the edges, and sure, he was no knight in shining armor…but Malon had to acknowledge that she judged him too harshly. That in itself surprised her for she usually had a good word about everyone. Even if she didn't she made one up. She looked at him and for once she found him not to be looking at her first. His arms rested on his knees and his hands were tearing apart a bit of straw that had blown in under the door. Or maybe it was already in there…who cares she thought, this was a stable, hay was everywhere and…oh now she was talking to herself in her head! Why on earth was she behaving so silly and…
"Hey Malon, I hear someone," Rook got up and tried to look through one of the cracks in between the boards of the door. Malon got up too and stood next to him. Her head only came to about his shoulders as they stood side by side and her shoulder brushed up against him.
"I can't see anybody," Malon said and backed up a bit, "but I do hear someone."
"Aye, hold on a minute Firefly and I'll get us out of here," Rook took a step back and slammed his shoulder into the door, making in rattle. "Hey! Out there, could ye lend us a han'? This bloody door won't budge." By everything that the Goddesses created in the world, this was so embarrassing.
The movement of feet stopped for a moment, and then started to come closer down to their side of the stable. They heard stifled laughter as the steps paused in front of the door.
"Oh by the Goddesses…" Rook groaned and turned his back away. Malon took his viewing spot in front of the open boards.
"Link! Don't just stand there and laugh! Open the door!" Malon yelled at him, slamming her palms against it in aggravation.
"Should I even ask what you two are doing in there?" Link grinned foolishly, still trying to stifle his laughter.
"Ha ha, yeah, we're all laughing hero, now open this up or you'll think that Ganondorf was your best friend!" Malon shouted.
"Ouch," Link snickered and forced up the wooded latch that was jammed. "You guys got this thing pretty gummed up, what did you do to it?" Malon brushed past him.
"The wind slammed it shut, we didn't do anything."
"Uh-huh," came Link's reply. Rook stalked out of the storage room and gave Link a look. By everything unda' the heavens Link, ye so much as say a word 'bout this to anyone and I'll personally kick yer ass.
Malon stretched and then checked to see the position of the sun in the sky for the time. She hurried back into the stable.
"Nayru, my dad is gonna kill me! I gotta go, Rook…" she trailed off, "maybe we'll see about those crates next week. I gotta go." Malon quickly turned and hurried up the path to her cart. She didn't know what to say to Rook now, it was so awkward, her only escape (from that and the teasing she could expect from Link) was to get out of there as quickly as she could. Link and Rook watched her go.
"I don't want ta' hear it Link, not one word," Rook pointed his finger accusingly at Link.
"I don't know what you're talking about Rook," Link smiled innocently and shrugged his shoulders. "What? Is that a bit of blush in your cheeks I see? Now come come Rook, you know Malon isn't that type of girl." He laughed as Rook stormed away out the stable.
***
The moon was high as the girls trotted across the big open field. It was so wide and empty, it would be a wonder that they didn't get lost. The breeze was warm and cool at the same time and the only noise you could hear was the crickets chirping in the long grass and the dull thud of the horses' hooves on the soft ground. They rode in silence for long periods of time not exactly sure why, perhaps because this kind of night just called for it. It was so eerie and hushed that at times it sent a shiver down your spine. Knowing you are not supposed to be there invites those kinds of feelings.
The red earth of the valley loomed in font of them, in its own way calling them home. Balius and Xanthus snorted at a new scent and trotted a bit quicker it seemed. Loraefin wrapped her coat around her tighter, trying to keep the spring breeze off of her skin. Out of the corner of her eye, she saw Megeara do the same. The girl looked up above to the stars, they being the only thing about the land that was familiar to her now. Up the trail they went, the canyon walls casting huge shadows from the brilliant moon. Balius and Xanthus snorted fitfully at the dark and pranced a little in their step while they walked. The water from Zora's River could be heard everywhere in the canyon as it fell over the falls. The main bridge loomed above the river, which continued to run its course far, far below the planks. The horses' hooves clunked noisily on the wood, but their sound was drowned out by the splashing of the falls. Balius neighed tensely and Loraefin stroked his neck, making him calm down and walk once again. She herself was not too terribly fond of this bridge. She looked back at Megeara and smiled, perhaps in her own way to keep up confidence.
Suddenly Xanthus reared up and neighed in fright, sending Megeara sprawling to the ground. The horse came crashing back down on its front legs and Megeara had to dash out of the way so not to be trampled by the massive hooves. Loraefin and Megeara screamed as the boards on the bridge shook under the horses weight as he galloped off and to the other side, stopping there as if to wait impatiently. Megeara stared blankly after her horse surprised, and at the same time almost guilty for making him go on the bridge he was afraid of. After a few moments she realized she was holding her breath and started to breathe again.
"Wouldn't want to fall down there," Megeara said, looking down through the planks and instantly shivering. It was a long, long, way down to the bottom.
"Are you okay? What got into Xanthus?" Loraefin asked, going to help her up.
"I don't know what got into him, he's never done that before," she replied. "Then again when was the last time we were on a bridge with no sides what seems like five miles (bit of exaggeration) above a rushing waterfall and river."
"And there is a sign back there telling people not to jump off the bridge, like anyone would be so stupid," Loraefin added. Megeara got back Xanthus and promptly scolded him for scaring her so. He whinnied to the extent of what could be an apology and they continued. The cliff walls were high and threatening to the two young Gerudo girls (okay, half Hylian, but who's being picky?) as they made their way back to what could have been home. They exchanged nervous glances, unsure if what they were about to do was right or not, but they were there, and there was no point in going back now. Balius and Xanthus were tied to an old log just outside of the fortress, not wanting to make an entrance whatsoever into there.
They crept quickly and quietly through the shadows, just skimming the outskirts of the fortress beyond sight. The girls had no idea what they were getting into, and if perhaps they were taken out of themselves for a moment to see what they were doing they would think themselves crazy. But the desire to see the Gerudo, to see their history and where they came from, was a strong incentive that blocked all rational the two could have concocted. They were working only on adrenaline and excitement, a dangerous combination. Another breeze blew by and made the red flag on top of its pole wave peacefully with it. Megeara looked up and saw it, wondering the purpose for it being placed in such a solitary spot, if it had any meaning at all or simply just there. The two stuck close to the cliff wall, darting up the stairs as the cliff opened to them. The bastion, the fortress, rose from the desert ground with mud and stone walls seemingly undecorated and plain to any traveled person, but the girls, it appeared as awe inspiring and gigantic as anyone could imagine. They quickly spied a pile of crates that backed up to a large rock, creating a sheltered area in which to hide and they stole away there.
"This is unbelievable," Megeara laughed under her breath, still panting from their swift scramble. "We're here, we actually made it."
"We're nuts, we're absolutely nuts," Loraefin added. "I can't believe this, this is the stupidest thing we've ever done."
"I admit, this one tops the rest," Megeara grinned and carefully peered over the crate. "We are now officially women Loraefin, look at us now."
"Your definition of being a woman is certainly interesting," Loraefin laughed, excitement rushing through her. "According to Lola it's…"
"Oh I was kidding!" Megeara smacked her.
Two Gerudo guards came out of one of the lighted doors of the fortress. Both girls immediately quieted down and tried to stay as hidden as they could. Megeara could hear her heart pounding in her head as her pulse quickened and her palms began to sweat. Loraefin gulped hard and held her breath unintentionally, afraid that the slightest move would make the guards aware of their presence. The women were talking with one another, but they were too far away and it only came as muffled hums and noises. They were beautiful, Loraefin thought and no doubt Megeara was thinking the same. Their tan skin was highlighted in the light from the doorway, their red hair tied high on top of their heads had not a strand out of place and the prowess in which they carried themselves was something the two could not put into words. This was them, a part of them that until now, were never able to see or experience for themselves except through their grandmothers and that was not to be compared. Thirty-eight years ago their grandmothers had been here, thirty-eight years ago they themselves were never even a possibility to be created, it was almost humbling.
"Look at them," Megeara whispered, "all this time we've been wondering, all this time we've been guessing, and now they are here right in front of us to answer questions and we can't ask them." Loraefin nodded in agreement.
A crunch of the desert sand sounded behind them.
"Ask us what trespasser?"
***
Link was back in his house at Kokiri. He mused humorously about Rook and Malon earlier that day in the stable. He thought Malon couldn't stand Rook. Oh well. He also looked back on the miracle that had happened that day as well, when he saw a new life brought into this world. No matter what, he wanted children…just not to be the one to give birth to them…Link shuttered at the very thought. No, his wife could handle that department…whoever she would be…he wondered that too. Upon his return to the forest he found that the Deku Tree Sprout had summoned him and he went in a hurry. There was nothing quite like a chat with the Deku Tree Sprout, always chattering and so…so young. Of course, the sprout held more wisdom than Link could hope to learn ten lifetimes, but he still acted like a child. Perhaps it was fitting, being here with the Kokiri and all.
The path to the Great Deku Tree's meadow was a well traveled path for him, having gone there many times before whether he was summoned by the sprout or just wanted some quiet. The trail opened onto the big clearing, revealing once again the gigantic form of the Great Deku Tree (now just a hollow skeleton) looming behind the much smaller, but very much alive, Deku Sprout. Link sighed inwardly and walked down the footpath to the Sprout's side, first asking him how he was, and then inquiring about the nature of this summoning. The Sprout was not his usual, energetic self, that was the first thing Link noticed, but nor did he look sad either…just calm. He raised his eyebrows in curiosity.
"What is it Deku Tree Sprout?" Link asked, concern almost on the edge of his voice. The sprout, being only a sprout (Link sometimes laughed when he thought of the day that he would call him Deku Tree Sapling or some such nonsense) could not turn to speak to Link's face, but at least turned his eyes upward.
"I think the question is what is wrong with you Link," the sprout responded, slowly curling his leaves in and out as if stretching his limbs if he had any. A puzzled look glazed Link's face.
"Nothing Deku Sprout, why would you ask."
The sprout again twisted his leaves and looked up at Link.
"Come down here where I don't have to crane my eyes to see you," he urged Link rather than ordered him. Link sat down cross-legged in front of him as he was asked.
"Is there a reason you called me here Deku Tree Sprout?" Link asked again. The sprout just looked at him as if he were waiting for Link to say something. Link stared back at him for a few moments before the silence drove him to speak. "Really, what's wrong?" More silence and staring. "Deku Tree Sprout, if there is something wrong I need to know, please don't sit there and just stare at me!" This time the sprout blinked at least.
"You are worried about something," the sprout finally said. Link knit his eyebrows together.
"Ganondorf has been banished to the Evil Realm for eternity, Hyrule is safe, and I have a drawer full of clean socks, what would I be worried about?" Link grinned in hopes of breaking the Deku Sprout out of this weird mood of his. Not that he was entirely up to the normal happy perky Sprout right now, but it was better than this.
"You are worried, I have felt it for some time now. I thought you would come here to talk about it with me, but it seems that you think you have it completely under control," he raised his eyebrows (what you could call eyebrows, being made of wood an all…) and continued to stare at Link. Link felt his face flush a bit. He couldn't keep something from the Deku Tree Sprout…Link sometimes-hated telepathy and that pre-knowing sense. He gulped. "You forget Link that I am a direct descendent of the Great Deku Tree, though he is gone, he and the forest spirits still speak to me. There is something in the air…something mortals cannot sense…it is so faint that even I can barely feel it...like it is far, far away."
"Perhaps it is a mistake then," Link suggested. "I bet it could be a lot of things…the Sages just came back a little while ago as you know…it's probably that." Nobody can find out about the future. That would change everything perhaps for the worst…worse than it already is.
"You could be right," said the sprout. "But all the same Link, keep your eyes open and your fighting skills sharp…I sense danger coming."
Link tensed.
"It's probably just repercussions of the Sages' traveling," he told him again and rose from the ground. The sprout smiled at him.
"As you see it Link, perhaps I was mistaken, I apologize for making you concerned."
Link walked out of the meadow.