28th Entry: A Vacation- Gerudo...Fortress!

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

Dear Diary,

I never knew that so much could happen in just a couple hours. You can go from, well, just read on.

As I'm sure you remember, I was sitting on the ground near the bridge in Gerudo Valley contemplating the meaning of life and Hylian existance (as if I had anything better to do). However, with each passing moment I was growing more and more restless and that ravine was looking more and more inviting. I found myself wishing for something, anything, to take my attention off of my present predicament.

Remember, be careful for what you wish for.

Not soon afterward, I heard the very familiar sound of hoofbeats. Looking up, a horse raced by me, with Gerudo guard in pursuit.

"Epona?" I gave a whistle, and Epona stopped dead in her tracks, as did the Gerudo's horse, which almost brought the guard out of her saddle. Realization setting in, Epona made her way back across the bridge and over to me, as if nothing had just happened. As I happy as I was to see her, if Link left her alone with these people, he was going to be in for it.

"You, what's your name?" The Gerudo asked with an air of authority. Her clothing was very different compared to the guards that had taken my father away. Instead of the purple and red uniform, this woman's clothing was off-white with blue designs around the sides, her red hair was short. She was unarmed, yet she appeared as if she would have no problem taking me down.

"Malon." I answered simply. She took a moment to study me.

"Why are you here?"

"I'm traveling."

"How did you tame that horse?" She asked again. It was starting to sound like an interrogation.

I shrugged. "I live on Lon Lon Ranch, I raised her."

Her eyes narrowed. "And what of the present owner? How did he come in possession of this horse?"

"He's a friend of mine. I gave him this horse."

"Describe him."

I gave a sigh, tired of answering all these questions. "His name is Link, he's a head taller than me, sandy blond hair, blue eyes, weird green clothing."

At this she gave a smile, which, frankly, surprised me. "Yes, his clothing is very strange indeed. You must forgive me, but it was important that I was certain of your motives for being here." She frowned. "Why on earth would you take the time to visit here of all places?"

I gave a bit of a smile, still not quite at ease. "Truthfully, I'm waiting for the work on Lake Hylia to be finished." I paused, and then let out a laugh. "A friend of mine suggested I visit Gerudo Valley in the mean time, but had I known that there would be no one else here, I might have reconsidered."

The Gerudo laughed. "Yes, the territory itself isn't very amusing, if I do say so myself. But you say you are the daughter of the owner of Lon Lon Ranch?" She asked once again.

I nodded. "Yeah."

She paused for a second, carefully considering. Eventually she came to a conclusion. "Your horse, Epona, has been giving us trouble ever since your friend left, but she seems to respond well to you. I'll tell you what. Come and work with the horses until your friend comes back and retrieves his horse. We'll let you stay with us, and by the time your friend comes back, Lake Hylia ought to be back to normal."

This was certainly not the type of response I expected from a Gerudo, and I was very wary of her offer. I crossed my arms. "Why? From what I've heard, your people aren't exactly known for their hospitality."

She shrugged. "That's very true. Still, like I said, your horse has given us more trouble than what it's worth. Besides, what's better? Coming with me, or staying out here for at least another week?"

I nodded, concenting. Nevertheless, I was cautious, I didn't trust her. After gathering my stuff, I saddled Epona and followed the Gerudo through the valley. Along the way, she introduced herself as Kira. She gave me an idea of what to expect over the time I was here, and aside from the training exercises every morning and evening, my day sounded as if it would be fairly similar to one on the farm. Or so I thought.

Before long, we reached Gerudo Fortress, which is quite the impressive sight if I do say so myself. The largest gate I've ever seen in my life stands directly across from the entrance, seperating the city from the vast desert wasteland. The fortess stands above the gate, and is huge as well. It's made out of a material that I'm not familiar with, and (from what Kira says) not very resistant to rain. There are at least ten entrances to choose from, and inside paths lead in every direction. After taking our horses to the stables, Kira led me through the fortess, and by the end, I was overwhelmed by the sight of it all. Various kitchens, studies, training rooms, bedrooms and even holding areas populate the fortress, not to mention the guards. There are guards everywhere, and one can be sure I received my share of questioning glances. However, because I was with Kira, they let me be. How I'm going to find my way through this place, I have no idea.

Eventually she brought me to the room which I was staying in. I was expecting a wooden cot with a small table to eat on if I was lucky, but wow. A large bed with soft covers stood on the right side of the room, intricate designs woven through the wood on the frame. A desk and chair stood directly across from the bed, with a bookcase to one side and a dresser to the other. Underneath the window stood a table with the same design as the bed and desk, and the colors of the room were all warm-red, orange, and purple. Noticing the look on my face, Kira let out a laugh.

"The comfortable you are in the evening, while you sleep, the better you are for work the next day. I hope you don't disapprove...?"

I managed to shake my head no, and Kira grinned. "Good, I'm glad to hear it. Training begins at five tomorrow morning outside, I would suggest you not be late." She said, very seriously. "I will bring the clothes you are to wear tomorrow morning, and here..." She handed me map. "This shows the layout of the fortress, it can be confusing at first." I nodded. "Make yourself at home, but I would suggest getting some shut-eye, all right?"

I smiled. "Yeah, thank you."

She gave a nod, and left me in the room. Sitting down at the desk, I tried to make some sense of what just happened. As nice as Kira is, I just don't see any Gerudo letting an insider in that easily. I guess I'll just have to keep my eyes open for anything weird, and I'll write back next time I get the chance. Talk to you later!

-Malon Astira