Yay, I'm finding time to update finally. I hope to have the next chapter of In the Mind of Link up soon. My Rinuwe one might have to wait as well as a few others but I'll try to get everything up to date as soon as I can. I hope you all enjoy this latest chapter. I'm still not sure if I'm up to scratch in my own opinion on my writing but I can always go back and change it if needed.

--Saira--

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-Ranks and a Happy Birthday-

The coolest part about agreeing to take this black jewel to the Great Deku Tree is that Nabooru requested we return and she would give us rewards; A Gerudo ranking for me, and memberships to Link and Dmitri. For us it was just cool to be considered a Gerudo since we were already considered Zoras.

Nabooru also encouraged Dmitri's thieving skills and took him under her wing a little bit giving him pointers and plotting locked doors in the Fortress just to challenge him but he got it every time. We did what she suggested and stayed. I always saw Nyssa looking pretty confident meaning she probably hadn't realized the jewel was gone yet. I'd asked Dmitri to hold onto the tiny gem because I didn't even want to touch it.

Link found a new passion and that was the horseback archery. He hadn't tried it for the longest time and when he finally did that's all he did. Dmitri also decided he wanted to become a world famous fighter. He also got sick and tired of a bunch of 10 year old girls beating him up. It was sometimes funny to watch. He needed to learn not to run his mouth.

So while Link rode and Dmitri fought and thieved, I did other things. Often times I went to their unused library and read the enormously thick books. I read our story over and over again still in disbelief that it could possibly be us. I also started spending a lot more time with Leah. Nabooru gave her special orders on my request to let me follow her around. I kind of felt bad because here I was; no skill in fighting and not even a Gerudo and I held the company of the great Nabooru without having done anything as far as I could remember. And then here's Leah who is striving to become a White one day.

That was very interesting to learn about. Leah taught me all about the Gerudo ranking system. Purple was the lowest rank and what everyone started out in. There were two levels of white, but hair played a part too. Once you are upgraded from Purple, you are forced to cut your hair but in turn you receive a White uniform. The design is different from the other White though. Next came Red but there was almost another level too because the lower Reds wore face veils. Only Nyssa did not have the mesh mask in the Red ranks.

Finally though was the White. At this level the current king places a gold gem upon their brow showing supreme rank just under the king. And only Nabooru had that. But also if you reached this rank you didn't have to necessarily wear that color. The gem on their brow proved enough.

A popular thing among the Gerudos though was tattoos and piercings. Even though Leah was barely older than me, she already had both ears pierced three times and two tattoos. According to her they represented things such as power, wisdom and courage. The more I saw them, the more I wanted them too. I knew Link wouldn't approve though.

But I figure, what he doesn't know cant hurt him. I got my ears pierced. Only one in each and I also got a small henna-like tattoo on my back where I knew Link would never see. When Link saw the pierced ears he got in protecto-mode and lectured me. He didn't like the influence the Gerudos were having on me. Mind you it'll be awhile before I get one again. They are painful when the numbing potion you're using doesn't have the proper ingredient. I was able to make a numbing potion. Though sometimes knowing the ingredients isn't fun. Usually you use Lake Hylia's water with Tektite blood but I had to substitute with Leever blood. Didn't work quite as well so it hurt but not as much as it could have.

"So how do you move up in rank?" I asked Leah while accompanying her on her rounds.

"Through 3 trials in the Gerudo Training Grounds"

"Where's that?" I asked

"Viera's guarding it today"

I gazed around and found Viera. She was the lower level White but one of the top ones. Leah said she was close to becoming a Red.

"Inside are three areas. Viera sometimes lets outsiders try or low level Purples just for fun knowing very few can handle the harsh Gerudo training. I dared once to become a White and it didn't go so well"

"What's inside?"

"We're forbidden to tell. A mark of a good Gerudo is how well they can work under pressure. Needless to say I failed miserably because I'm still a Purple"

"If I were a Gerudo I'd be a Purple forever" I said trying to make her feel better.

"I heard Nabooru might reward you for something and give you a ranking. And he was going to give the boy—"

"Dmitri" I corrected

"Right, but I don't want to see him in a Purple uniform"

"Wait, was that—that was a joke" I teased. "Alright I'm sorry" I said as she twisted her grip in her scimitar. "No, Dmitri might get a membership though. He wants a bow and quiver. He says you make amazing ones here. He's always liked that sort of thing. He'd love to do the horseback archery but horses have never liked him."

"There's talk going around that he is a Sheikah"

"What?!" I exclaimed. Dmitri's been called a lot of things but never a Sheikah.

"Yeah. He looks like one."

"How?"

"Gerudos and Sheikahs have been enemies for years and we can usually recognize them."

"Oh, well as far as I know he'd not one but I don't know much about Dmitri's heritage."

"Leah!" Another Purple ran toward us.

"What?"

"You're relieved for tonight."

Leah nodded and we headed back up to the Fortress.

"So, what's in the desert?" I asked. "Link, Dmitri and I have gone to the top of the Fortress but the storm never ceases and we can't see what's out there."

"Beyond the Haunted Wasteland is the Spirit Temple. The great Nabooru visits often to pray to the goddess."

"Ah. Have you ever been?"

"Only Red and up are allowed"

"Hmm" I said staring out there.

"No, Saira" Leah said suddenly stern.

"What?"

"I won't let you go"

"I won't go alone. Don't worry" I said

"I'm holding you to that"

Yeah right. Like I'm not gonna go.

------Life at the Fortress was actually pretty enjoyable. The Gerudos had hard exteriors but around us they tended to relax a bit. None of them were able to teach me to fight and they gave up. Even Nabooru couldn't succeed. I just wasn't meant to learn or just not from them.

One day I borrowed Link's ocarina while he went to go beat his latest score on the archery, and set to teaching Leah about music. I had talked a lot about Link's playing and she became curious. However while we sat there, we were interrupted by the person I least wanted to see.

"Saira, walk with me please" Nyssa asked though I could hear the false sincerity.

Oh goddess. She's gonna get me to a hidden place and kill me. I just know it. She's got that murderous look in her eye. Not really but I still wouldn't put the notion past her. I left Leah with the ocarina and went with Nyssa. My level of fear went skyrocket when we went inside. I wanted to stay in the view of the other Purples.

"Saira, has Nabooru spoken to you lately?"

"Not really. She tried to teach me some fighting skills a little while back but I've been spending a lot of time in the library"

"Have you gone back to Ganondorf's private room? Or mine?"

"No. I steer clear of those places."

"What about Dmitri?"

"Dmitri is too caught up with trying to become respected among everyone here to go back there" I said.

For a long time she forced me to walk around the Fortress and question me. I knew what she was after. She'd finally noticed the gem was gone. Sometimes the questions got so intense I was tempted to scream 'Dmitri has it!' just so she would leave me alone but I could never betray Dmitri like that. When she finally walked off, I ran straight for the throne room where Dmitri and Nabooru both were.

"She knows it's gone" I said quietly incase she followed me.

"Sonja! Viera!" Nabooru immediately called. The two Whites came in. All Nabooru did was give them a stern look before they ran out. "What happened, Saira?"

"She started questioning me whether I knew if anyone had been near Ganondorf's room or hers. She wouldn't drop the subject."

"I beg of you, stay for one more month then you may leave. I will think of something"

"Nabooru, the easiest thing to do is to put a fake gem where the one was in her room. Don't put it in the exact spot and make her think it just shifted or something." Dmitri said.

"Such gems are not found anywhere" Nabooru said.

"Dmitri, go get a rock" I said. He ran out and came back a few minutes later with a palm sized rock.

"Little big" Nabooru said as if we were wasting our time.

I frowned before I closed my hand around the rock and said a quick spell. Light beamed from the cracks in my hand and when I opened my palm the rock was now the exact shape of the evil gem.

"What the—" Nabooru said. Then I put the final touches and made it change texture and color to mimic the gem. "You have much magic in you."

"Duh!" Dmitri said.

"Two weeks" I said. "Then we're going. We need to return to Kokiri forest but not for your reasons"

"Then why? I thought you wished to explore the whole of Hyrule" Nabooru asked as I tossed her the fake gem.

"We made a promise to someone to return for our birthdays and Dmitri's is in two weeks."

Nabooru nodded and immediately went to find the Gerudo who'd originally took the gem from Nyssa's room.

Those two weeks couldn't have come quick enough. All of us were eager to leave. We like the desert but just like anything, the same thing over and over can get boring. When our two weeks were up I went to find Link because I knew he wouldn't remember the day we would leave. As usual I found him at the horseback archery talking with a Gerudo named Kala. She was an expert archer and held the high score that Link tried everyday to beat.

"Link!" I called.

"Hey Saira. What brings you to these parts?"

"My urge to return home" I said. It clicked immediately and he ran back to the Fortress at top speed. Especially when I mentioned we'd probably make a brief stop at Lon Lon ranch.

Then I set to finding Dmitri. I checked the time and about now he was usually with Nabooru so I headed for the throne room. It wasn't Dmitri sparring with her though, but Nyssa. I figured she was trying to lower the suspicion. Nabooru noticed me and quickly overpowered Nyssa as if she could have done it ages ago and then beckoned me over.

"Saira" she nodded

"Nabooru, do you know where Dmitri is? We're taking a quick trip to Lon Lon Ranch but he's not here with like he usually is"

"I sent him to practice in the field today with two of my other Reds. I needed a good challenge today."

I bowed and left heading to the sandy field where Gerudos practiced quite harshly. To my luck, Dmitri was just walking away.

"Hey Saira"

"Hey yourself" I said

"What's up?"

"Go pack your things, we're heading away"

"Where?"

"Lon Lon and home"

His face lit up just like Link's and I didn't even get a chance to finish my thought when he bolted for the Fortress. We'd all enjoyed our time in Gerudo but we missed seeing a tree around I think. I was already packed but I'd put it in my nifty magic bag so that when Link and Dmitri came out he'd already be carrying my things.

"Saira!" Nabooru called.

She was standing at the bottom of the rocked canyon-like area that plays as the entrance to the Fortress area.

"Yes?"

"Kala has horses for you. She will meet you here, but know we better get them back" she added sternly.

"We'll only need two since Dmitri rides with me and I promise you will get them back"

"Ah, well I hope you return soon and safely." She said "All three of you have great potential"

"We will return. Dmitri and Link love it here. I've never seen Dmitri get so dedicated to anything before. I hope you haven't changed him too much"

"Saira!" Dmitri called running up behind me. He pulled me into a tight hug and kissed my cheek. Nope, he hasn't changed. Link joined our group and took the reins of the horses Kala had brought.

"Are we ready?" he asked

"Unequivocally" I said. Link and Dmitri stared. "Yes" I said simply rolling my eyes.

It was actually a bit shocking to see how many Gerudos came to see us off. It made us all smile that none of them would wave. They stood there rigid and unsmiling nodding now and then with complete lack of emotion.

On horseback, the trip to Lon Lon only took a day but then again when the three of us travel by foot, we tend to goof around a lot. I wanted to race but I knew Dmitri wouldn't like that. The sun had gone down by the time we reached Lon Lon Ranch, but lights were still on so we went in. We rode quietly with only the low thump of the horse's hooves on the soft ground. Inside the riding pen, Malon was brushing Epona and singing to her.

"Malon!" Zelda called coming out of the stables. Then she spotted us.

"H-hi" Link stuttered jumping down.

Malon guided Epona over and when Dmitri jumped off, Epona neighed. Horses never like him. Talon, Malon's dad, bid everyone inside since it was dark. Dmitri escorted Malon to put Epona in the stables then joined us in the house several minutes later. Zelda sat next to Link and he wasn't minding one bit.

We stayed up late talking and Malon and Zelda loved hearing about life with the Gerudos. Link made sure to brag about how he was supposed to get a membership upon his return. I love how he forgot to mention we were too. I felt sorry for Dmitri because every time he tried to boast about something Link would say it first. Hmm, how can I help?

"Dmitri actually wants to become an honorary Sheikah one day" I said even though I was pretty sure that thought had never even crossed his mind. "With how much he spars with the Gerudo I bet he could take on a couple."

"Really?" Zelda said intrigued. "I know Princess Zelda's attendant is the head of the Sheikah. Her name is Impa"

"I thought the Sheikah were low in numbers nowadays" Malon commented

"There aren't as many as there used to be but those who are around do well not to be seen. A lot of the time they are dressed just like you and me."

"How do you become a Sheikah?" Dmitri asked. Oh no. I planted a seed in his head. Now he probably does want to become a Sheikah to impress Malon.

"Years ago it was hard for an outsider to become a Sheikah. The leader subjected them to the harshest of tests. Now though, the old Shadow Temple has been turned into a testing ground almost. You must venture through it. Some have been known to be in there for weeks. It's quite difficult."

"Well how do they know if you completed it?" Link asked

"Placed at the end is something that shows the mark of the Sheikah. It can be different for each person."

"Wow" I said breaking the silence that ensued.

"Wow is right" Malon said "do you think one day you could it Dmitri?"

"Someday" Though he didn't sound very hopeful.

"Are you returning to Gerudo Fortress after this?" Zelda asked

"For a short while" Link said. "The heat gets to you after awhile and I'll never be rid of all this sand" he added as some fell out of his hair.

We stayed up for a little longer, then Malon showed us to a small room where we stayed the last time. It only had one bed but we never needed more than that because we all slept on each other.

In the morning I woke up thinking I had the bed to myself but really I was just at the foot of the bed lying horizontal. I sat up and saw Dmitri and Link sleeping right next to each other. Dmitri actually had his arms around Link. What a picture perfect moment? I got up out of the bed and went over to my bag and pulled out a thick book. Then I dropped it on the floor. The loud thunk woke both of them.

However, when they saw their predicament they stared at each other for a moment then cried out and pulled apart so quick they fell off either side of the bed. I started laughing as I got dressed. They both were wide awake now.

"No one ever hears of that" Link said

"Not a word" Dmitri agreed

I started out the door but both of them grabbed me and pulled me back in.

"Not a word Saira" Link said sternly.

I sighed. "Scout's honor"

"Scouts are snitches in war." Dmitri pointed out.

"Fine. I promise your little affair is a secret"

"WHAT?!" they both cried

"Jeez, just kidding. Mum's the word"

I went downstairs where Talon had made breakfast for everyone. Zelda and Malon were already eating some delicious looking pancakes.

"What's going on up there?" Zelda asked

"We heard raised voices"

"Oh nothing. Best not worry about it"

"So, how long are you staying for this time?" Talon asked

"Just for today I think. We are heading back to Kokiri Forest for a bit. We promised Dmitri's mother to return now and then to show we're still alive and well."

"I'm surprised she would let her son leave like that" Zelda commented

"Well it wasn't really her choice. Dmitri would have left whether she approved or not which is why we promised to return twice a year for our birthdays"

"Dmitri's birthday is soon?" Malon asked

"Couple of days" I said

"Maybe we should throw him a small party or something before you leave." Zelda suggested

"Yeah, we could get Malon to jump out of a cake" I joked.

"Hey!" We all were laughing when Link and Dmitri came down. Their faces looked horrified. They must have thought I told what happened.

"Hey Link" Zelda said

"Dmitri, sit down" Malon added.

We got Talon to keep Dmitri busy all day and by the evening we had the living room of their house decorated and Dmitri had a nice little party when he came back in. Malon didn't jump out of a cake but she did give him a birthday kiss on the cheek which I'm sure was his favorite part of the night.

It was a bit weird for me actually. I was so used to being the only girl in Dmitri's life. It used to be everything revolved around me almost. I'm not trying to be self centered or anything but I kind of miss being his girl in a way. I was thinking about all this while sitting on the roof of the barn.

"What are you doing up here?" Dmitri asked

"Just thinking" I answered

"About?"

"About you"

"What about me?"

"Nothing in particular" I lied.

"I was thinking about you too" he said

"Really?"

"Always"

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