Bryce went through his usual morning routine sans Kellyn. You can only go through so many manuvers by yourself. He still fumed when he thought about how the Gerudos had treated him. True he was a man and their species hated men. Men were only good for one thing as far as Gerudos were concerned. It was then that he noticed the Gerudo riding into the courtyard. Seeing noone else around she approached him.

"I have a message for the King from Nabooru, Queen of Gerudos." She said not bothering to dismount. Bryce studied her for a minute. "Why would the King want to speak with a mere Gerudo gaurd?" His voiced labeled with sarcasm. "I have news of the Princess." The gaurd stated. Bryce sighed of course she did. Where else would Kellyn have gone? "Follow me." He said. He didn't wait for the guard to dismount before heading towards Link's study.

Link had arrived at the castle at dawn. He had immediately gone to the chambers he shared with Zelda. She hadn't been there so he had headed to Kellyn's room next. There he had found her. She had fallen asleep on Kellyn's bed hugging one of her pillows. Link had covered her up and left her to sleep. Knowing that sleep would not come for him he had headed to his study. He settled into the chair that Kellyn had unceremoniously flipped over the day before. He smiled remembering the incident. Of course that had been the only highlight of the encounter. It had all gone down hill after that. It seemed like a distant dream. Only yesterday she had been here at home and now she was gone! Link leaned forward on his knees and rested his chin on his fist. He stared across the room as his eyelids started to droop. Within seconds he was asleep. This was how Bryce found him a few moments later. He had left the Gerudo guard in the hall. Bryce walked around in front of the Link and gently touched his shoulder, "Sire" He whispered. Link sat up with a start and looked around. He rubbed his face and looked at Bryce. "What is it." He said. "I'm sorry, but there is a Gerudo guard here with a message." Bryce said. Link quickly stood and ran a hand through is hair while smoothing his tunic with the other. He walked over to his desk and poured a glass of water from a pitcher placed there. "Bring her in!" He told Bryce as he gulped down some of the water. Bryce went to the door and opened it. He motioned for the guard to enter. She walked up to Link and bowed stiffly. "I have a message from Queen Nabooru." She said as she produced the letter. Link took it from her and stared at the Gerudo seal. He hesitated only a second before opening it and scanning the words written in it. "She's there!" He finally said. Bryce stood there with his mind reeling. The Gerudo had lied to him but why? "I'll call for the horses." Bryce turned to leave. "No, wait." Link put his hand up. He continued to read. "We cannot." He said after a moment. "Sir?" Bryce asked. "She has joined the Gerudos and is currently in training." Link sighed. "Once the vow is made to go through Gerudo training it cannot be broken except through death or dismissal." Bryce looked at his King and then at the guard. "But she is the princess of Hyrule, surely Nabooru will not hold her to it." Bryce said. "Yes she will." Link said. "She will expect nothing less from her than any other girl in training." Bryce couldn't believe what he was hearing. "She says she will keep me updated and make sure no harm comes to her, otherwise she will be treated the same as everyone else." Link said. "I'll send a reply back with you." He addressed the guard. "Feel free to sit down or go back outside I'll send for you when I'm finished." The guard bowed and left the room. Bryce stared at Link as he walked around the desk and sat down to reply to the letter. As if suddenly remembering Bryce was there he looked up. "It's not that bad at least we know where she is now and that she's safe." He said. Bryce just nodded and left the room. Link wrote a quick reply to Nabooru and then started another letter to his daughter.

2 months later...

Kellyn found that training to be a Gerudo was as challenging if not more than she had anticipated. It was also worth it. She had already gained the respect of many of her fellow trainees. Kellyn had also managed to earn a much needed weekend. This meant that she and others who had earned it would be able to enjoy themselves in the village. They still had to wear their training garb, but they got to bathe at a slower pace and would get some much desired sleep. Kellyn sank into the tub of warm water up to her neck. Nayru had already bathed and was helping her wash her hair. It had become blonder from all the time spent in the desert sun. Her usually pale skin was now a golden tan color. Her skin was also dryer. Nayru had put some scented oil into the water and Kellyn was letting her skin absorb it. "Are you excited?" Nayru asked as she rinsed Kellyn's hair. "Yes and nervous!" She replied. "Don't be, it'll be fun we'll get something to eat and then we shall drink and dance the night away!" Kellyn laughed. When Nayru had finished she stood and got out of the tub. Both girls quickly got dried and dressed. The earlier embarrassment of being naked in front of others had disappeared. Kellyn didn't give it much thought. What she was not aware of was how Nayru and one other Gerudo watched her.

Finally a small group of trainees made their way from the fortress down into the valley

where the village lay. They headed for a tavern situated in the center of the village. They all ordered meals. The tavern had a large common room. After dinner was served and finished the tables could be moved and room was made to dance. Kellyn relaxed and ate slowly for the first time in 2 months. She listened to the various conversations around her, but said nothing. She noticed that Nayru was whispering into the ear of another Gerudo. She kept looking at Kellyn and this made her uneasy. Kellyn couldn't recall her name. She had never talked to her that she could remember. Kellyn finished her meal and it was removed. Meanwhile a few of the tavern workers had begun to clear the tables from the middle of the room while a band set up to play music. Gerudos while trained warriors loved music and dancing. It wasn't long before the music started and the girls were up dancing. Kellyn had learned many Gerudo dances over the years so it wasn't a challenge to follow along. Before long they all sat down and drinks were brought. "What's this?" Kellyn asked peering into her cup. The liquid was a clear, dark blue color and smelled sweet. "Avoelai." Nayru answered. "It's good and favorite drink among our people." She downed hers in one gulp. Kellyn shrugged and did the same. This was her first mistake. The liquid was cool and sweet. It reminded her of candy, but when it hit her stomach it started to warm her entire body. Kellyn had barely drank wine. As soon as she put her cup down a worker came around and filled it again. Kellyn drank it down in one gulp again. The second one went straight to her head and made it spin a little. Nayru had failed to mention that while Avoelai was a popular drink it was also very strong. Kellyn looked around the table and noticed that a few of her companions had wondered off either with each other or with patrons of the tavern. She saw two of them in a corner kissing. Kellyn turned away quickly with a blush creeping up her face. She looked at Nayru to find her laughing at her. Her cup had been filled again so Kellyn drank it hastily. "I think we will need a room." Nayru said to the Innkeeper. He gave her a key and told her witch way to go. Nayru looked at Kellyn "Are you ready to go?" She asked. "Yes, but I think I'll need help." She said with a slight slur in her voice. Nayru smiled and stood up to help Kellyn get up. For the first time Kellyn noticed the other Gerudo Nayru had been speaking with. "Oh hello!" She said with a goofy smile. "I don't think I know you." The woman put Kellyn's arm around her neck. "I'm Kyleia." She said. "Nice to meet you." Kellyn smiled. With an arm around Nayru and Kyleia they all made there way to the room.

This is a short chapter, but I felt I've made you wait long enough for an update.

OK, I'm working hard on a new chapter and hopefully you will all be pleased! Thanks for all your reviews. I will do my best to follow some constructive criticism that was offered. As always thanks for the reviews and thanks for reading. :)