Well, once again I was getting bored with the story. So I'm skipping Lake Hylia and Zora's Domain for now, but rest assured, Malon will visit those places (though she won't be by herself...) Anyway, on to Gerudo Valley...

27th Entry: A Vacation-Gerudo Valley

January 16th, the 7th year in the reign of King Ganondorf I

Dear Diary:

After writing last, I slept on the floor in a corner, for fear Link would come back in the middle of the night. I admit, it wasn't the most comfortable night's sleep I've ever had, but my fear of complete mortification and embarrassment kept me on that floor all night long.

I woke around five thirty that morning (no sign of Link that night, thankfully), hoping to get an early start to wherever the road would take me next. When I stepped outside after getting my bag ready to go, I was surprised to see all of the Kokiri standing outside. They thanked me again for coming, and made me promise to visit again. Right before I left, I asked Mido if he had any suggestions as to where I should go next.

"Hmmm, I'd avoid Lake Hylia and Zora's Domain for the time being." He said, thinking.

"Why?" I asked, curious.

He shrugged. "I've heard the Zora's have been working day and night to thaw out Zora's Domain, and that includes the entrance in Lake Hylia. But because of that, they're discouraging any tourists from coming to those either of those places until the two have been restored to normal."

"Oh..." I said, disappointed. "So do you know where I could go next?"

He thought at it for a second. "You could always try Gerudo Valley."

I looked at him with bewilderment. "Are you crazy! I'll be killed."

Mido shook his head. "Yes, if you enter their home. However, they rarely leave their home, the Gerudo Fortress. Gerudo Valley is on the outside of Gerudo Fortress, I've heard a few Hylians have actually taken up residence there. Not to mention Gerudo Valley is right next to Lake Hylia. Once the Zora's finish their work, then you can just pack up your bags and go to the Lake."

I gave a sigh, but smiled. "Thanks Mido. I'll try it."

After saying my goodbyes, I left the forest via a small bridge that connected the village to the Hylian Countyside. When I finally made it out, I almost felt like jumping for joy. It felt like an eternity since I had last seen any familiar territory. As I was walking, I pulled a map out of my Goron Tour Guide bag, very thankful that they had given it to me to keep. According to the map, it would take a good two days to reach Gerudo Valley on foot.

So I walked. It wasn't that bad, truthfully, and I sang to pass the time. That night, I stopped by the ranch to make sure everyone was still...alive (don't worry, they were), and don't tell anyone this, but I actually spent the night at home. I know that's against the entire idea of taking a vacation, but I didn't care, the temptation to sleep in my own bed was too much to pass up. That morning I repacked my bags with lighter clothing (I'm going to a desert after all), and had a good homecooked breakfast with a very surprised to see me Dad and Ingo. After telling them about my vacation thus far, we said our goodbyes (again), I went on my way.

All my life, I've heard stories of Gerudo Valley, how it's a "dry, ugly, terribly hot place", and only fit for those "filthy Gerudo thieves" to live in. So that was pretty much what I was expecting when I finally arrived in the Valley around four that afternoon. Turns out that idea was only half right. It is dry, and hot, though not unbearably so, but not at all ugly. I guess it just takes some getting used to.

As I walked across the spring, I saw a tent standing on the other side of a large ravine. Excited, I made my way across the bridge connecting the two sides, and over to the tent. A note attached to the front read that they (whoever "they" is) were on a job in Kakariko, and would not be back for another week.

"Great." I thought to myself. Now what? Staying here in the desert alone for a week was not exactly what I was looking forward too. So for the time being, I'm just sitting here like a bump on a log. Maybe if I get too bored I'll just jump off the ravine and see where the water takes me. Oh well, talk to you later.

-Malon Astira