b"Family Ties ~ The Tale of the Poe Sisters"
Part One ~ Hardships of Life/b
The low bass howl of the Thunder rolled across the sky, passing through the dark storm clouds, and across the desert realm of the Gerudo. Strange how storms pass over the dry continent, but the water that cascades from the clouds, never falls until it reaches the green pastures of Hyrule. The Gerudo desert had not seen the flowing waters of a river for over four thousand years, and today was not going to change that. The female thieves watched from their stone fortress, their deep oriental eyes gazing at the clouds, following their slow advance on the fields of Hyrule.
"The storm has passed." A young Gerudo girl offered, bringing her head inside the fortress, and out of the cold wind that blew through the valley. "The sun breaks free of the darkness and fills the valley again"
She turned to face the three other females who stood with her. Her sisters all eagerly waiting to escape the dark and gloomy room in which they waited nodded solemnly. Unlike the other Gerudo's they were not dressed as elegantly, or as warriors. They stood in rags, drapes of various colours and sizes, their uncut, dirty hair held up in bunches with twine and straw. The youngest of the four turned around again and stepped out onto the already warming sand of the Gerudo Training camp. Her bare feet willingly accepting the soothing warmth of the ground, easing the pain of the boils on her sole. From beneath the tattered red robes, she looks up at the sun, shielding her eyes against its radiant glare. The wind blows dryly through her blonde hair. You wouldn't know it was blonde by looking at it, caked with mud is was more brown now.
Behind her, follow her sisters, each emerging onto the hot sand. The first in a short blue dress, filled with holes and ladders, her black hair blowing in the wind, letting loose various clumps of grit and dirt. Next came a shorter, and dumpier girl, her green cloth dress was far to small, hitching up over her legs and leaving them exposed to the searing heat of the sun. Finally, came the last sister. Taller than the others and certainly older, she wore slightly more elegant clothes. Long purple drapes, embroidered with silver coloured lace, patches and tears covered it where jewels had been torn out.
The four sisters, standing on the clean sands of the desert watch as the clouds begin to empty their saturation onto the green fields of the country beyond the valley. None of them heard the muffled steps of the other Gerudo's stepping up behind them until it was too late.
"You four!" a powerful feminine voice erupted. The four sisters spun around, attempting to look attentive, but failing miserably as their stooped figures bent over and struggled to say still.
"What are you doing outside? You know perfectly well that you are forbidden from leaving the compound during the daylight hours!"
"S..sorry M'lady. We were watching the storm pass and.." said the smallest sister, opening her dirt palms in forgiveness. The Gerudo watched, a dirty growl escaping her slightly parted lips.
"Very well. But get inside now, before anyone else sees you. I don't want to loose my position because I let some filthy beggars out onto the sands."
The sisters bowed as quickly and elegantly as they could before shuffling back into the shadows of the cell they were given to live in. As they sat near the doorway, they could hear the voices of the Gerudo speaking.
"Is everything set for tonight?"
"Yes. The feast is prepared, the entertainment is being informed of its duties, and the rewards are being polished."
"It has been some time since Lord Dragmire went into the Haunted Wasteland. News of his return is most welcome."
"Rumour has spread that the Lord has a task that only that only Gerudo's that are most willing will undertake for a place by his side during battle."
"Will everyone be going to the feast?"
"Everyone.. who is worthy."
The laughter of the Gerudo's signalled their leave from the entrance to the chamber that was once used for waste materials. Some would say it still is. In the near darkness, the only shred of light supplied by that, which manages to reach in from the outside world, sit the four sisters, whom the Gerudo look upon as the worst of their kind. The youngest sister, Joelle took her head in her hands and began to weep. Her dry salty tears allowing the little moisture they had to escape down her dirty face, leaving clean stripes of skin where they passed. The first of two twins, in the torn blue dress, kneels beside her and begins to comfort her younger sister. Beth wraps her arms around the shoulders of the sobbing girls and pulls her closer.
From across the tiny cramped room, the second twin Amy watches, desperately trying to stretch her green cloth, but only managing to tear it further and scrape her leg with her rough skin. The calm hand of the eldest sister Meg stops her tormented grabbing and pulling. The purple-garbed sister tears a strip off her own robe and wraps it tightly around the open wound. Four sisters, left to rot in the darkest recesses of the Gerudo Fortress. The Gerudo's had never kept slaves before, so why had these girls been kept for so long in such poor conditions. Only the eldest knew the truth.
--
It was not uncommon for Gerudo's the stray from the desert. They would often pass into the markets of Hyrule, in search for men whom they could have joy filled moments with. It was common for a Gerudo to bear a child with a Hylian man. But what as uncommon was for the Hylian's genome to become dominant. A Gerudo child, with an appearance that didn't match the other Gerudo was outcast. Blonde haired children, green eyes, pale skin, none of them were welcome in Gerudo society. But at the time it happened some 20 years ago, the Gerudo in question was none other than the queen of the thieves, who's hand was promised to the Lord Dragmire. When her union with her Hylian lover was discovered, he was sent into the Haunted Wasteland never to be heard of again. But it was too late. When his house was raided, the queen was found, being nursed through ill health. Not poisoned, but pregnant, with his fourth child.
The queen was returned to the Fortress, along with the children, but during the birth of the last, she fell to infection and died. With her last words, she demanded that the Gerudo were to take the children as their own. A newborn, two twins and a toddler, two of which were blonde. The Gerudo were not pleased, but they respected the wishes of their dead queen. So it came to be, that the young of their revered queen would live at the fortress. But they were not treated as their mother had hoped. They became nothing more than rodents. Backwater scum that was forbidden to step out into the daylight, banned from eating with the other Gerudos and forced to scrounge what they could from the rubbish given to them.
--
Day soon passed into night, and the eruption of music from within the valley walls roused the sleep of the sisters. They peered outside, seeing the Gerudo dancing feverishly, eating the finest meat, and drinking wine feverishly. Amy, daringly peeks out of the pitch black hole and takes a quick look at the celebration. Long tables, set out with plates filled with hot fresh meat, bowls of fruit and vegetables, all soft and succulent, juices seeping over the hands of the women who bite through their soft flesh. Bright fires burn on tall stands, lighting the party beneath the full moon lit sky. Sitting at the end of the long set tables, are two thrones. At the first was sat Kylah, the head of the Gerudo Thieves. She sat with her best red gown on, her hair loose, not tied back like she was usually seen. She was the most beautiful of all the Gerudo. Perhaps that is why she commanded them. The other, the largest golden throne engraved with precious stones and carved with various symbols and shapes, that one had an occupant Amy did not know.
Amy stared, the person was built like no one she had ever seen before. They're body was large, thick and muscular, much different than the thin bodies of the Gerudo. This could be only one person, the esteemed Lord Dragmire. Amy had seen no men in her life, other than one or two weak men who had found their way into the fortress and been done away with by the thieves who forbid their entrance. With only fleeting memory of her father, she was awestruck by this strong man sitting so close, yet so far away from her. Dragmire turned his head to lift a goblet of wine to his lips. His skin was dark, a deep brown, darker than any of the Gerudo women. But like them, he had brilliant red hair, vibrant like the colour of fresh blood, and wild like the wind, reaching down his shoulders and to his chest. A long beard grew from his square jaw, which was blood red too.
For a moment, Amy watched him intently. Then, he moved his head again, turning to face the girl, locking his eyes with hers. For a slip second, they stared at each other, for Amy it felt like years. Immediately, she broke the gaze and scurried back into the den. For what felt like an eon, she cowered with her frightened siblings, hoping that no one would come, but soon enough, the sound of footsteps on the stone floor approached. Two Gerudo women, armed with their twin katana blades entered the dark den, burning flames lighting the path. They grabbed the sisters, pulling them to their feet, and at sword point, marched them out, onto the grounds, and forced them to their knees before Dragmire. Amy peered up at the great man, only to be pushed to the floor again by the guard who brought her out.
Dragmire stared at Amy, then looked at the other three sisters. He lifted a goblet to his lips, and sipped at the wine, before leaving the goblet and crossing his arms. For a moment he was silent. Then he finally spoke. His deep voice echoing in the valley, boosted by the now silent Gerudo.
"Who are these girls?"
"They are of no concern my Lord" Kylah quickly answered "Peasants nothing more."
"If they are peasants Kylah, why are they kept in the waste room? Why not the dungeon?"
"Of.. of course my Lord. We will move them at once. You! Get rid of these girls!"
Two guards motioned forwards and lifted the girls to their feet. As they were brought to a staggering stand, Meg's hooded cloak fell back, revealing her dark skin and Gerudo appearance.
The guards stopped instantly, Dragmire looked at Meg curiously. Kylah glared at the guards and nodded discreetly towards the dungeons. The guards responded and began to march the girls away.
"Wait." the single word from Dragmire's lips, halted the guards, and brought the queen's head snapping to his gaze. "Bring them back here."
The sisters were marched back before Dragmire before being dropped to the floor again.
"Do you know who I am?" Dragmire asked.
"L..l..Lord.. Dr..dragmire?" Amy managed to stutter, her head remained down, not meeting his look.
"I am Lord Vladrig Dragmire, King of the Gerudos. Tell me girls, who are you?"
Meg, lifted her head. She was the eldest, it was time for her to take responsibility for her sisters.
"My Lord. I am Meg, these are my younger sisters. Amy and Beth" she motioned towards the blue and green clad girls "are both twins, and Joelle, the youngest."
Vladrig turned to his queen for a moment.
"Who are these girls Kylah? Where did they come from? Answer me truthfully, I'll know if you lie to me again."
Kylah hesitated, he knew she lied earlier. She took a deep breath, knowing that what she was about to say was unknown to most of the Gerudo, including the three younger sisters.
"They are the daughters of Queen Milar. They are the kin of her affair with a Hylian. While Meg is indeed a Gerudo, the others have characteristics that are not welcome in our society. Milar requested that they be allowed to stay here, before she died."
Dragmire was silent for a moment again, before finally, slowly nodding.
"You four, I have something that requires four of my most loyal Gerudo to undertake for me. It is dangerous, but the rewards are great." he began. Kylah's expression turned from embarrassment into loathing and shock.
"Would you accept my offer?" he asked. The answer was immediate.
"My lord, we would accept anything that you give us." Meg answered, bowing gently. She motioned to her sisters, who nodded their heads in bow also.
"My lord..." Kylah started, but his hand, lifted to stop her words. She retreated back into her throne and sat in silence.
"Then it is decided. Tomorrow, at first light, you will begin your journey. But tonight.." he looked out at the long tables, where the rest of the Gerudos sat, and motioned towards them ".. you will feast with us.. as Gerudos."
And so, for the first time in their life, the sisters sat under the moonlit sky, drinking the finest wine, eating hot fresh meat and succulent soft fruit. At dawn, something would begin, something that may well change their lives forever. But for now, they let all their hardships fade into insignificance, as they sat along side the other Gerudo and feasted. For the first time, they smiled.
Part One ~ Hardships of Life/b
The low bass howl of the Thunder rolled across the sky, passing through the dark storm clouds, and across the desert realm of the Gerudo. Strange how storms pass over the dry continent, but the water that cascades from the clouds, never falls until it reaches the green pastures of Hyrule. The Gerudo desert had not seen the flowing waters of a river for over four thousand years, and today was not going to change that. The female thieves watched from their stone fortress, their deep oriental eyes gazing at the clouds, following their slow advance on the fields of Hyrule.
"The storm has passed." A young Gerudo girl offered, bringing her head inside the fortress, and out of the cold wind that blew through the valley. "The sun breaks free of the darkness and fills the valley again"
She turned to face the three other females who stood with her. Her sisters all eagerly waiting to escape the dark and gloomy room in which they waited nodded solemnly. Unlike the other Gerudo's they were not dressed as elegantly, or as warriors. They stood in rags, drapes of various colours and sizes, their uncut, dirty hair held up in bunches with twine and straw. The youngest of the four turned around again and stepped out onto the already warming sand of the Gerudo Training camp. Her bare feet willingly accepting the soothing warmth of the ground, easing the pain of the boils on her sole. From beneath the tattered red robes, she looks up at the sun, shielding her eyes against its radiant glare. The wind blows dryly through her blonde hair. You wouldn't know it was blonde by looking at it, caked with mud is was more brown now.
Behind her, follow her sisters, each emerging onto the hot sand. The first in a short blue dress, filled with holes and ladders, her black hair blowing in the wind, letting loose various clumps of grit and dirt. Next came a shorter, and dumpier girl, her green cloth dress was far to small, hitching up over her legs and leaving them exposed to the searing heat of the sun. Finally, came the last sister. Taller than the others and certainly older, she wore slightly more elegant clothes. Long purple drapes, embroidered with silver coloured lace, patches and tears covered it where jewels had been torn out.
The four sisters, standing on the clean sands of the desert watch as the clouds begin to empty their saturation onto the green fields of the country beyond the valley. None of them heard the muffled steps of the other Gerudo's stepping up behind them until it was too late.
"You four!" a powerful feminine voice erupted. The four sisters spun around, attempting to look attentive, but failing miserably as their stooped figures bent over and struggled to say still.
"What are you doing outside? You know perfectly well that you are forbidden from leaving the compound during the daylight hours!"
"S..sorry M'lady. We were watching the storm pass and.." said the smallest sister, opening her dirt palms in forgiveness. The Gerudo watched, a dirty growl escaping her slightly parted lips.
"Very well. But get inside now, before anyone else sees you. I don't want to loose my position because I let some filthy beggars out onto the sands."
The sisters bowed as quickly and elegantly as they could before shuffling back into the shadows of the cell they were given to live in. As they sat near the doorway, they could hear the voices of the Gerudo speaking.
"Is everything set for tonight?"
"Yes. The feast is prepared, the entertainment is being informed of its duties, and the rewards are being polished."
"It has been some time since Lord Dragmire went into the Haunted Wasteland. News of his return is most welcome."
"Rumour has spread that the Lord has a task that only that only Gerudo's that are most willing will undertake for a place by his side during battle."
"Will everyone be going to the feast?"
"Everyone.. who is worthy."
The laughter of the Gerudo's signalled their leave from the entrance to the chamber that was once used for waste materials. Some would say it still is. In the near darkness, the only shred of light supplied by that, which manages to reach in from the outside world, sit the four sisters, whom the Gerudo look upon as the worst of their kind. The youngest sister, Joelle took her head in her hands and began to weep. Her dry salty tears allowing the little moisture they had to escape down her dirty face, leaving clean stripes of skin where they passed. The first of two twins, in the torn blue dress, kneels beside her and begins to comfort her younger sister. Beth wraps her arms around the shoulders of the sobbing girls and pulls her closer.
From across the tiny cramped room, the second twin Amy watches, desperately trying to stretch her green cloth, but only managing to tear it further and scrape her leg with her rough skin. The calm hand of the eldest sister Meg stops her tormented grabbing and pulling. The purple-garbed sister tears a strip off her own robe and wraps it tightly around the open wound. Four sisters, left to rot in the darkest recesses of the Gerudo Fortress. The Gerudo's had never kept slaves before, so why had these girls been kept for so long in such poor conditions. Only the eldest knew the truth.
--
It was not uncommon for Gerudo's the stray from the desert. They would often pass into the markets of Hyrule, in search for men whom they could have joy filled moments with. It was common for a Gerudo to bear a child with a Hylian man. But what as uncommon was for the Hylian's genome to become dominant. A Gerudo child, with an appearance that didn't match the other Gerudo was outcast. Blonde haired children, green eyes, pale skin, none of them were welcome in Gerudo society. But at the time it happened some 20 years ago, the Gerudo in question was none other than the queen of the thieves, who's hand was promised to the Lord Dragmire. When her union with her Hylian lover was discovered, he was sent into the Haunted Wasteland never to be heard of again. But it was too late. When his house was raided, the queen was found, being nursed through ill health. Not poisoned, but pregnant, with his fourth child.
The queen was returned to the Fortress, along with the children, but during the birth of the last, she fell to infection and died. With her last words, she demanded that the Gerudo were to take the children as their own. A newborn, two twins and a toddler, two of which were blonde. The Gerudo were not pleased, but they respected the wishes of their dead queen. So it came to be, that the young of their revered queen would live at the fortress. But they were not treated as their mother had hoped. They became nothing more than rodents. Backwater scum that was forbidden to step out into the daylight, banned from eating with the other Gerudos and forced to scrounge what they could from the rubbish given to them.
--
Day soon passed into night, and the eruption of music from within the valley walls roused the sleep of the sisters. They peered outside, seeing the Gerudo dancing feverishly, eating the finest meat, and drinking wine feverishly. Amy, daringly peeks out of the pitch black hole and takes a quick look at the celebration. Long tables, set out with plates filled with hot fresh meat, bowls of fruit and vegetables, all soft and succulent, juices seeping over the hands of the women who bite through their soft flesh. Bright fires burn on tall stands, lighting the party beneath the full moon lit sky. Sitting at the end of the long set tables, are two thrones. At the first was sat Kylah, the head of the Gerudo Thieves. She sat with her best red gown on, her hair loose, not tied back like she was usually seen. She was the most beautiful of all the Gerudo. Perhaps that is why she commanded them. The other, the largest golden throne engraved with precious stones and carved with various symbols and shapes, that one had an occupant Amy did not know.
Amy stared, the person was built like no one she had ever seen before. They're body was large, thick and muscular, much different than the thin bodies of the Gerudo. This could be only one person, the esteemed Lord Dragmire. Amy had seen no men in her life, other than one or two weak men who had found their way into the fortress and been done away with by the thieves who forbid their entrance. With only fleeting memory of her father, she was awestruck by this strong man sitting so close, yet so far away from her. Dragmire turned his head to lift a goblet of wine to his lips. His skin was dark, a deep brown, darker than any of the Gerudo women. But like them, he had brilliant red hair, vibrant like the colour of fresh blood, and wild like the wind, reaching down his shoulders and to his chest. A long beard grew from his square jaw, which was blood red too.
For a moment, Amy watched him intently. Then, he moved his head again, turning to face the girl, locking his eyes with hers. For a slip second, they stared at each other, for Amy it felt like years. Immediately, she broke the gaze and scurried back into the den. For what felt like an eon, she cowered with her frightened siblings, hoping that no one would come, but soon enough, the sound of footsteps on the stone floor approached. Two Gerudo women, armed with their twin katana blades entered the dark den, burning flames lighting the path. They grabbed the sisters, pulling them to their feet, and at sword point, marched them out, onto the grounds, and forced them to their knees before Dragmire. Amy peered up at the great man, only to be pushed to the floor again by the guard who brought her out.
Dragmire stared at Amy, then looked at the other three sisters. He lifted a goblet to his lips, and sipped at the wine, before leaving the goblet and crossing his arms. For a moment he was silent. Then he finally spoke. His deep voice echoing in the valley, boosted by the now silent Gerudo.
"Who are these girls?"
"They are of no concern my Lord" Kylah quickly answered "Peasants nothing more."
"If they are peasants Kylah, why are they kept in the waste room? Why not the dungeon?"
"Of.. of course my Lord. We will move them at once. You! Get rid of these girls!"
Two guards motioned forwards and lifted the girls to their feet. As they were brought to a staggering stand, Meg's hooded cloak fell back, revealing her dark skin and Gerudo appearance.
The guards stopped instantly, Dragmire looked at Meg curiously. Kylah glared at the guards and nodded discreetly towards the dungeons. The guards responded and began to march the girls away.
"Wait." the single word from Dragmire's lips, halted the guards, and brought the queen's head snapping to his gaze. "Bring them back here."
The sisters were marched back before Dragmire before being dropped to the floor again.
"Do you know who I am?" Dragmire asked.
"L..l..Lord.. Dr..dragmire?" Amy managed to stutter, her head remained down, not meeting his look.
"I am Lord Vladrig Dragmire, King of the Gerudos. Tell me girls, who are you?"
Meg, lifted her head. She was the eldest, it was time for her to take responsibility for her sisters.
"My Lord. I am Meg, these are my younger sisters. Amy and Beth" she motioned towards the blue and green clad girls "are both twins, and Joelle, the youngest."
Vladrig turned to his queen for a moment.
"Who are these girls Kylah? Where did they come from? Answer me truthfully, I'll know if you lie to me again."
Kylah hesitated, he knew she lied earlier. She took a deep breath, knowing that what she was about to say was unknown to most of the Gerudo, including the three younger sisters.
"They are the daughters of Queen Milar. They are the kin of her affair with a Hylian. While Meg is indeed a Gerudo, the others have characteristics that are not welcome in our society. Milar requested that they be allowed to stay here, before she died."
Dragmire was silent for a moment again, before finally, slowly nodding.
"You four, I have something that requires four of my most loyal Gerudo to undertake for me. It is dangerous, but the rewards are great." he began. Kylah's expression turned from embarrassment into loathing and shock.
"Would you accept my offer?" he asked. The answer was immediate.
"My lord, we would accept anything that you give us." Meg answered, bowing gently. She motioned to her sisters, who nodded their heads in bow also.
"My lord..." Kylah started, but his hand, lifted to stop her words. She retreated back into her throne and sat in silence.
"Then it is decided. Tomorrow, at first light, you will begin your journey. But tonight.." he looked out at the long tables, where the rest of the Gerudos sat, and motioned towards them ".. you will feast with us.. as Gerudos."
And so, for the first time in their life, the sisters sat under the moonlit sky, drinking the finest wine, eating hot fresh meat and succulent soft fruit. At dawn, something would begin, something that may well change their lives forever. But for now, they let all their hardships fade into insignificance, as they sat along side the other Gerudo and feasted. For the first time, they smiled.
