You grasp onto Riju's hand. She attempts to lift you up, but it only seems to strain her fragile figure. Even with her considerable lack of strength, she never lets go of your hand.

"Are you okay, I didn't mean to hurt you?" Riju says concerned. You shake it off, trying to quell her nerves. Riju sighs "I know this wasn't the greeting you were expecting, but I promise I'll make it up to you." She extends out her pinkie. "In fact, let's make a pinkie promise." She wraps her delicate pinkie around yours. "And if I don't keep my word, then you can cut off my pinkie," she says earnestly. Your a little startled by her drastic measures, but find her gesture ultimately comforting.

"I'd be happy to clear anything up for you," Riju says trying to maintain a serious composure.

• You proceed to question her about your new nickname, the traitor.

She responds, "Well we've discovered some misleading posters placed throughout Hyrule. They claim that you betrayed the Yiga tribe and now you're a wanted fugitive. It seems the Yiga have successfully manipulated the people of Gerudo in believing that you're a criminal." The news is appalling, but the pieces begin to fit into place. After all, the Yiga has always had a natural knack for cheap trickery.

• You ask about Zelda's request

As soon as you mention Zelda's name, Riju's whole demeanor turns sour. "Oh...Zelda," she says folding her arms. "I'm afraid the people of Gerudo don't associate with Hylians. You'll just have to wait another millennium before railroads are integrated into the desert," Riju adds, noticeably irked.

• You try pleading to Riju about the quality of life improvements the expansion could bring.

"Well in that case, how about a little competition?" Riju replies. "There's this ancient tradition my people hold annually, it's called the Trial of Sand."

"If you win, I'll consider advising the townsfolk about your proposition," Riju boasts

"However, if I win. Then..you'll...have to...kiss...um."

She pauses speaking, her face flushed red in color.

"...Kiss your deal goodbye," Riju stutters.

You urgently shake on her enticing offer. "I'll go make the preparations," Riju says, skipping out the doorway. She turns and faces you

"For Zelda, no way."

"But for you..."

"It's a possibility."

—

The next morning - 5 am

"Okay, it's ready," Riju says, radiating excitement. You're puzzled as to what she's going on about. She's wearing a red backpack with a golden bow protruding out the top. "Just follow me," she says giddily. She sprints out the room like a child on Christmas morning. At this point, you have no choice but to tag along. However, once you step outside, you're astonished by a tremendous sight...

A ginormous racetrack surrounded by thousands of Gerudo spectators.

The boisterous audience awaits your arrival. A monsoon of confetti rains down from above. Cheers and booming trumpets pound at your eardrums. Riju stands alongside the starting line, warming up with calisthenics. You notice a bright gleam emerging in her eyes. Her childlike wonder is contagious. You can't help but crack a smile.

Your sand seal is decked out with the latest racing equipment. The seal's shaggy mane emits confidence, placing your mind at ease. Riju's seal named Patricia emits the opposite kind of energy. Only Riju would choose a steed less fierce and more fluffy.

A set of checkered flags are raised in the air, the crowd clamors in anticipation. You find yourself getting lost in the atmosphere, the feeling of stardom is tempting. This is your one and only shot to impress Riju.

3

2

1

Go

You're immediately whisked away into the lustrous landscape. A treacherous journey of sliding under archways and vaulting over sand dunes is underway. The barren wasteland has become your own personal playground. Riju glides past you, shooting you a wink. A fire instantly ignites inside of you. The burning desire to wink back is immeasurable.

Safety is thrown out the window, as you catapult your body through the rugged terrain. Your balance fluctuates from side to side. You feel as if you're on a collision course straight for failure. You and Riju intertwine strings, toppling into each other. Both of you are sent barreling into the silky slopes. You awake to find an immense sand storm brewing off in the distance. Its close proximity is alarming, and your filled with a great sense of dread. You can only watch as your seals make a swift getaway from the scene. Gerudo town is miles away from your current location, and hope is continually dwindling. You assist the princess to her feet. Riju seems notably distressed about the recent turn of events.

She tugs at your shoulder, exclaiming "We have to go, that storm is heading this way."