Ha ha! I've set aside some time before my vacation to write one more story. I have no idea how long it will take because I write everything off the top of my head in one sitting. I'm not sure how it works for me… but it does. So I have one hour to write this before tea time so I better get cracking.

Here we go.

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Character- Link

Setting- Link is battling his way through the Gerudo Fortress trying to find the four lost carpenters. The catch? He can't be seen. And unfortunately for him… he was. With only one carpenter left, Link tries to win the respect of the man-hating women.

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Gerudo Blessing

.

I look up from the hard ground.

A small square sits in the middle of the high ceiling.

The hot, desert sun beats through.

I can feel it burn the skin on my face.

I lay on my back,

My hands and legs spread out.

Grits of sand dot my body.

I can hardly find air to breathe.

.

I'm not used to this heat.

And being in here's not helping much either…

No wind.

No shade.

Not even a little square of shade from an overhanging stone.

There's not even a bed to lie on…

Or crawl under for some shelter.

So I'm just laying here

.

Honestly,

The Gerudo aren't very hospitable.

I haven't even done anything.

Well… apart from getting the other three guys out.

But they were thrown in prison for no reason!

So I was only being fair.

Yes… Fair.

.

Why couldn't I get a cell like they did then?

Theirs were all inside…

With a proper ceiling too!

Mine…

Mine's just a deep hole really…Except above ground.

And hot.

All it's got is one tiny window way up at the top.

I guess the scary ones get thrown in here.

.

Oh Din is it ever hot.

A thick film of sweat coats me.

I don't even care how much I probably smell right now.

I just want out.

.

"Wadda you suggest then Navi?" I ask.

I try to lick my lips…

But my tongue feels like sandpaper.

It just seems to aggravate my cracked lips more.

.

"Well, I guess you could use your ocarina and warp away." She says delicately.

.

Like I couldn't have figured that out.

"Honestly Navi. Even I thought about that. But look up there…"

I slowly raise my hand up.

I point to the hole in the ceiling.

Heads of the Gerudo women appear over the top.

"If I so much as move to stand up they'll fire at me."

.

"So what… you got a plan or something?" she asks.

.

"I think so." I whisper.

I kind of twitch my eyes for her to come closer.

"I'm gonna have to wait until it gets dark. There's no light in here at all… so they won't be able to see me, even if they're watching."

.

"So? Then what? You're still stuck here. How are you gonna get out?" She asks.

.

I smile.

Usually it's her coming up with the complex plans and strategies.

It feels good to be the brains for once.

"See that windowsill?" I ask.

.

"Yes…" She says slowly.

.

"It's made of wood." I finish.

I grin at her.

My dry mouth screams in protest.

.

She seems to understand my train of thought.

"But won't they hear the hookshot? Why not wait until nighttime then play your ocarina and warp away. It's safer. Then you can come back and-"

.

"Safer?" I say, still whispering to not be overheard.

"Navi, if I warp away, that'll mean that I have to get back here. And that will take time. And I don't really have that much of it left, do I?"

I shake my head a little bit.

Drops of sweat run down my face.

"Besides, where's the fun in running away?"

I laugh, wheezing slightly in the heat.

.

"Liiiink." Navi groans.

.

"Hey, if you don't wanna come with me, that's fine. I won't care. You can just fly away now if you'd like." I tell her.

.

"You don't mean that." She says.

.

"You're right… I don't. But I wish you'd just trust me for once."

.

"Fine. Fine!" She says exasperatedly.

She flies just above my head.

"Now, go on! You get some sleep… I'll wake you up when it's dark." She says.

.

Sleep?

How can I possibly sleep like this?

I can't even swallow properly.

"Hey!" I call up to the guards, "Hey you! Any chance for some water?"

.

They laugh at me.

I hear rapid speech in their tongue.

I can't understand it…

But by the way their laughter increased…

I'd say they were making fun of me.

.

One woman's silhouette appears in the sun's rays.

"Tha will teatch de boy to mess wit de Gerudo!" She taunts in Hylian, with her heavily accented voice, "Water! Hah!"

.

"Nah, I didn't think so either." I say.

.

Slowly,

I roll over onto my stomach.

I bury my sun brunt face into my arms.

Despite what I've said until now…

I've been dead tired for the past two days.

.

I do the best I can of wiping the sand out of my eyes.

I close them tight.

I feel myself fall asleep a lot faster than I thought I would.

..

.

..

.

..

"LINK!" Someone shouts.

.

"What? What?" I say.

I quickly sit bolt upright.

I pull out my sword.

I can't see anything it's so dark.

I realize that my eyes are coated in sleep.

I brush it off.

.

"Link!" I hear Navi's voice say.

I look around and see her.

A small ball is the only source of light.

She casts a glow onto the stone floor.

Stone floor?

Where am I?

I look around.

Oh…

Oh yeah.

I remember now.

.

"Is it dark out?" I ask Navi stupidly.

I put my sword back.

I stand up and stretch.

It's not hot anymore.

…In fact…

It's actually pretty cold.

I give a small shiver.

.

"Of course it's dark out, Link. Wake up." Says an annoyed Navi.

.

The imbecility of my question sinks in.

Well… it is dark.

I look up to the windowsill.

A thin beam of moonlight streams in through it.

I root around in my pack.

I draw out my hookshot.

I take aim.

I fire.

.

The spikes dig deep into the wood.

I feel myself being pulled up towards the window.

I struggle to reach the sill and hold on.

I scramble out of the cell.

I stand in the cold night air.

I let the wind wash over my face.

I sigh and close my eyes.

.

"Link?" prods Navi.

.

"Yes, yes. Lets go." I say, feeling slightly bitter that she didn't let me enjoy myself for a bit.

.

I look around.

I'm on a high tower

The full moon bathes the huge fortress just enough…

Enough for me to see…

Enough for them not to see me.

.

I grab hold of the stone wall.

There's a lot of protruding stones.

I easily slide my way across it.

I remain as silent as I can.

If I get caught again…

Well, maybe I won't be this lucky again.

…On second thought…

The Gerudo are pretty stupid.

I mean, honestly…

A place where men aren't accepted?

How do they…?

Don't they EVER…?

… You'd think they'd be happy to see a man.

.

I jump skillfully down onto the terrace underneath me.

I swiftly slide into the open doorway.

.

The torchlight in the stone halls glows brightly.

Good.

It looks as though they lighten up security around here at night.

There's no one around anymore.

That'll make my job easier.

.

I turn down another corridor.

I expect to see another set of doors…

But one single opening sits at the end of the hall.

I slowly make my way over to it.

I look cautiously into the doorway.

My eyes wander down the short staircase and…

.

Oh Goddesses!

It's a kitchen!

All the pains from my hunger flood back to me.

I remember that I haven't eaten in days.

My mouth, however, is to dry to water.

Not to mention the three Gerudo sitting around a large table.

They're chattering away in their language.

.

I bring out my bow and arrow noiselessly.

I aim down at them.

I'll have to be fast.

I'll have to shoot all three of them before another has a chance to run for it.

.

As quick as a poe,

I shoot down on them.

One.

The other two jump out of their seats.

Two.

The last looks up at me and stares unbelievingly.

Three.

.

I run down the staircase.

I reach the main floor.

A large pot-bellied cauldron sits over a fire.

A creamy sauce bubbles in it.

A delicious smell erupts from inside.

The center table is covered with bowls of soup,

Breads,

Cheeses,

Milk and…

.

"Water!" I say hoarsely.

I climb around the Gerudo's bodies.

I grab hold of the pitcher.

I dump it into my mouth.

.

Water never tasted so sweet.

I tip the rest of the pitcher all over my head.

I lick my lips and the salt from my sweat enters my mouth.

.

I attack a piece of bread.

I stuff the whole thing in my mouth.

I struggle to chew.

Before I even finish,

I thrust some cheese in too.

I swallow.

The fat lump of food hits my stomach with a loud growl.

.

That is some damn good food.

I couch down beside the table with a bowl of soup.

I drain it.

.

I wipe my mouth quickly.

"Okay." I say to Navi, "Okay, I'm good now. Let's get going. I still need to find the other poor sucker in here. Then I can break through that huge gate and get into the actual desert."

.

"Just be careful. If anyone finds this mess you made here, there'll be trouble."

.

I raise my eyebrows.

I'm in such a good mood right now.

She's such a wet blanket.

"Oh, really Navi. I didn't make too much of a mess. Look, no crumbs or anything on the table!" I laugh.

.

"Link," Navi says in monotone, "I was talking about Gerudo."

She motions down to the bodies.

.

I pretend to look surprised.

"Really?"

I laugh.

I reach over and grab another chunk of bread…

And a slab of cheese.

I wolf them down.

"Umkay!" I manage to muffle through the food.

.

I clap my hands together.

I step over the girls.

I leave through the opposite door.

.

I sprint softly down the hallways.

It's just random luck, really.

I have no idea where I'm going.

Every now and then, I come across a guard.

But they're easily taken care of.

.

Finally,

I reach a large, stone room.

The ceiling is really low.

I notice a small metal loop hanging down from it…

Like a handle.

But I don't really pay attention to it…

I can't… Because a voice is screaming in my ear.

"HEY! Hey you over there! Kid!"

.

The morning light peaks through the room's window.

A pink strand stretches across the floor.

It stops at the edge of a barred wall…

A cell.

I look into the cell.

That's where the voice was from.

A slightly overweight man has his face pressed up against the bars.

"Hey! You've got some guts coming in here kid. If you're caught you'll be in big trouble."

.

"Yeah, just be quiet, okay? I'm gonna get you out." I say quickly.

I can't help but feel that his screaming will have attracted more than just me.

.

I try to open the door.

It's locked of course.

Now how'm I going to get in?

.

"It's really nice of you to do this, you know. Do you think… do you think that you might be able to help out my other carpenter friends too. The three of them are in here and-"

.

"I've already taken care of them. You're the last one left." I tell him.

I don't really care about what I'm saying.

I'm too busy worrying about how much time I'll have left…

Time until the Gerudo show up.

.

"You got to be careful round here young man." Says the carpenter, "You know… there're guards everywhere… You never know when you might be- WHOO! Watch out!"

.

At these last words,

I dive off to the side.

I roll to my feet.

I draw my sword like a flash.

I stand to face…

Another Gerudo.

.

This one's different though…

She's dressed all in red… not purple.

Two long, curved blades rest on her back… not pointing at me.

Her heavily lidded eyes stare right at me.

She's smiling slightly.

.

"You tink you are doing well to be getting dis far?" She purrs.

I hold my sword steady.

She takes a step closer.

I raise my sword higher… threateningly.

"Oh. I see. You tink now that you can be beating me? I'm not as slow as my fellows."

She sighs.

She reaches back slowly…

As though wanting me to notice her exposed skin.

She bites her lower lip.

.

I remain steady.

I keep my eyes locked on hers.

She wants me to look…

I can't…

Because if I do, she'll attack.

.

To my surprise,

She smiles wider.

"You are not as weak minded as de other men are being." She carols, "I will give you de honour of dueling me. Let me see how strong you really are."

With a small moan,

She pulls out her two swords.

She holds them forming a circle in front of her.

She takes a few paces around me then…

.

She lunges out.

I sidestep and block her attack.

She turns round.

She pushes her fallen hair back.

"Vary good." She purrs, "But I doubt it will stay as a trend."

.

Again,

She launches herself at me.

Her swords both thrust out.

I jump backwards.

I charge with a forward slash.

She blocks it by crouching behind her swords.

.

Again,

She smiles.

"Vary impressive. It is no wondering why you hafe gotten so far. But you will be failing here."

She curls up as a tight ball.

She pushes off the floor with all her might.

She spins around in the air, her blades twisting.

.

I roll to the side again.

She lands on the ground hard.

I can tell that she had put all her effort into that attack hitting me…

Because she's off guard now.

.

I bring my sword round on her.

I manage to connect with her back.

She screams out.

A thin cut blazes on her skin.

A small trickle of blood runs down on the floor.

.

She turns to face me.

Her pleasant smile is gone now.

"I seem to hafe been underestimating you, Man." She says, "But no longer will I be going easy."

.

"Well, that's good. I've been looking for a proper fight since I got here." I retort.

I decide to attack.

Blow after blow she deflects.

And I block everything she throws at me.

.

Suddenly,

An idea hits me.

If I back away from her…

Maybe she'll be tempted to do her long range spin attack again.

.

I take a few paces back.

Please let this work…

Please.

.

Yes!

She curls up again.

She pushes off.

I dodge gracefully to the side.

I hear her cry of rage when she hits the floor.

I spin my sword quickly.

I cut her again.

A red 'X' now marks her back.

.

She reaches her hand back to her fresh wound.

I take this opportunity…

I grab hold of her arm.

I twist it round viciously to her back.

I pin her face first to the ground.

I rest one knee on her back to hold her down.

With my left hand,

I hold my sword to her throat.

.

"You win, Man. You win de fight fairly. I'm sorry I was doubting you." She coughs.

.

"Give me the key." I demand.

She remains still.

I push the sword against throat.

"Don't think I won't do it. Now, give me the key."

.

"In my culture, it is being polite to release de threat over de hostage before any demands are made." She stutters.

.

"Too bad I'm not part of your culture… or very polite." I say viciously, "Give me the key!"

.

"It's in my back pocket." She says, "Get it if you'd like."

.

"You get it. I'm not going to be part of your sick game-"

.

"I can't." She interrupts, "If you are not noticing, my hands are currently being held by you!"

.

Oh.

Well…

I guess I could just reach in and…

I mean… I'll do it quickly…

No.

No I won't do it.

That's what she wants me to do.

.

I loosen my grip.

I pull my sword away.

Slowly, I step up.

I help her to her feet.

.

She smiles at me again.

"Just get me the key." I say.

I hold out my hand.

She hands me the key out of her pocket.

.

I turn to go open the door for the carpenter.

I push the key in.

I unlock the door.

.

"Thanks kid! Now I'm getting out of here!" He says.

He skirts around the Gerudo.

He runs as fast as he can…

Which is very fast…

Out the door.

.

"You are being a vary good fighter." Purrs the Gerudo.

I turn and look at her.

She smiles…

This time showing her perfect white teeth.

"I was never tinking dat any man but Ganondorf could be fighting like dat. You hafe proven yourself beyond de expectation of men."

She holds out her hand for me to shake it.

.

It's a trap right?

It must be…

But…

But somehow…

I don't think so.

I grasp her hand tightly and shake it.

.

"I am de leader of de Gerudo after Nabooru is disappearing. I will be most honoured should you be joining our ranks. You are most welcome in these parts now." She says.

.

"Join? I don't have to marry you too, right? Because I really-"

.

"Oh. No no. No ceremonies at all. I will just be giving you permit to enter and exit as you will be liking. Dat will be fine, Mr…?"

.

"Er… My name's Link." I say.

.

"Well, I shall be looking forward to seeing you again then, Mr. Link. If dere's anything I can do for you… all you'll need is to be asking." She purrs.

She hands me a small slip of paper.

She puts her hand to her mouth.

She blows me a kiss.

.

I watch as she jumps up into a hole in the ceiling.

The shuts with a slam.

The same metal ring sits there…

So it's a trapdoor then is it?

I wish I knew that before now.

.

I give a small laugh.

I raise my eyebrows to Navi.

.

"Well, she was different, wasn't she?" She says.

She zooms around my head.

"Quite nice really. Should have arranged another time to meet."

.

I laugh.

"Hey, I got a permit now! I did my job. And I'm not really planning to come here again, sorry. But now… guess what!?! We don't even need to break through the gate. We can just walk right through!"

.

I strut out of the room.

A few Gerudos look at me in awe…

As I hold out my new tiny piece of parchment.

Well, that took longer then expected. I'm leaving for vacation tomorrow… So I hope that when I get back, there'll be a whole bunch of reviews waiting for me because this chapter was LONG.

I hope you enjoyed it!

(Did you guys SEE the new game? I'm dead excited!)

Until next time… have a fun summer!