Hyrule : Journey of the Gerudo
Chapter 5 : Downstream
Ushara was staring at the road right ahead of her. Her hands grasping their mount's rein, her knuckles white from the tight hold. Every time she was trying to make sense of the emotions that was present inside of her, it was only sent spiralling. Thus, she rather stop thinking about the revelations that her sister had made to her.
Komara kept herself hidden inside the covered wagon. She seemed just as unlikely to try to face the turmoil they were stuck in. That was fine by the soldier. Let this sit out, she did not want to try to engage in a conversation she did not know how to handle. She rather kept her eyes on the red flag lifted high up at the front of the caravan. Go forward. Into the land of Hyrule. Then, find a Voe. For the tribe.
Another pause was called. Ushara set foot on the ground and removed the harness off Tessoro. She then walked the horse around in a relaxed pace for it to calm down. While she was providing the aftercare to the animal, the white-haired Hylian and their sweet daughter walked towards her. They were holding their own horse, which seemed curious to greet Tessoro. Their mount was a light blond with a darker mane that had been braided. The two animals met to make what seemed small talk. Meanwhile, their owners proceeded to do the same.
After a long period of starring, the little Shinra got the courage to ask some questions filled with innocence. Why was she so tall? Just need to eat a lot, especially the things you do not like. Was this a sword that she kept to her hip? Yes, this is a scimitar and it is shaped like the flowing water because a warrior must never stagnate. How come her skin is like ink? Well, ink can come in many colours and Goddess Hylia must have enjoyed returning to black at some point.
Her mother had gave the child a concern look at how direct her questioning was, but she saw that the Gerudo woman seemed to genuinely enjoy the talk. She joined in on some of her interrogations about the life in the desert. They shared until the pause came to an end. They enjoyed the talks and promised to keep this going on the next occasion. Each leaving with their respective horse towards their wagon.
Ushara looked at the young mother join with their Voe. Her lifted Shinra in his arm to help her take place on the bench. The couple then proceeded to harness back their horse to their carriage. The smile of the man seemed to irradiate the joy he had at the side of the women in his life. Once their preparation was done, this Sheldon offered a gallant hand to make Sohara take place on the bench and all three members of the family were on their merry way.
Ushara was distracted from this display of affection. She forgot about preparing Tessoro and had to work fast to get back on the road. She was a fast learner however and after doing it a few time this day she had no problem. Last stop would be for the night, she tried to have her mind go back to a blank. It was to no use. Seeing how the young family acted have set up something in her heart. She had never questioned the way of the Gerudo. She was now aware however that a Vai splitting to return to the desert and raise a child was a practice that wasn't normal in the land beyond.
Unable to process out of it, Ushara felt miserable while the sky was darkening out. None of the landscape stuck in her mind. Her eyes stared blindly. A full day of travel was taking her away from her home. Away from her duty as a guardian of the city of Gerudo. Away from her opportunity to join the royal guard.
She felt stuck in her mind for such a long time, yet it was almost sudden when the final bell chime signified the end of their travel. There was a clearing by the side of the road and the caravan gathered there. One after the other they found a spot. When Ushara came by, Master Devon informed her. '' Let's make a circle. The horse will be left in the middle. Try setting there. '' He pointed her to a side. Barely paying attention, she still do like proposed and put her wagon to a halt.
Before untying Tessoro, she went to grab her backpack. She moved the cloth of the wagon and stepped in the back. Her sister was in her hammock hanging from the roof. Ushara saw her turn her head towards her, but she was already gone with her belonging. She turned her attention toward the horse and congratulate her for the impressive effort she put today. Clearly not understanding, she still make happy squeal and shook her tail.
The Gerudo warrior then leaved her be and Tessoro went to join the gathering of the other horses. Feeling like the animal would be safe, she focused on her preparation. She undid the massive square of cloth that was holding her luggage together. She could then pick up a bunch of metallic rods that could be joined together. She formed the base and spread the cloth to form her tent. She then spread the bedroll and blankets. Her backpack had now shred considerably once those were undone. She brought it inside her installation.
She wanted to make sure no one would be seeing this final part. Untying a final blanket, she spread over the bed the guardians of her sleep. She enjoyed very much the presence of stuffed sand seals to join her dreams. Over time, she found a few colourful ones that you could held in your palms. But her true support was the gigantic companion from her childhood. The white part had lose it's shine, but the blue was still vibrant. It was her good old Tessoro, the giant ball of many smiles and fond memories.
She went to lay down, sitting her back against the giant plush. Ushara then gathered the little coloured ones on her laps. She closed her eyes and enjoyed the embrace of her friends. That sent a deep wave of calm through her. Her mind finally stopped racing. She zoned into the present moment. A smile sparked up.
She really did miss that form of comfort. While she is stationed in the soldier's barrack, she could not expect to bring her support group during her service. In some honesty, she was glad for that opportunity to be by herself. Once she had this moment of tranquility, she leaved the tent to join back the group.
Everyone have set down and gathered. A small fire ring was erected and ready to be turned on. The Hylian Sheldon and Master Devon were pilling up small woods and using the resin of a pine cone to start the ember. Not far were the white-haired women and Ushara went to join them. Shinra seemed beaming with joy when the Gerudo approached. She gave a head bow to the mother then listened to the young one tell some story. She then agreed to take part in her game and the little girl had her run around the encampment while laughing loudly.
While playing around with the child she spotted her sister Komara. She took place among the four brothers and they were all listening to the oldest. Ushara was glad that her youngest went out and didn't kept to herself. Her expression was still stern, but she had done moping. She still not had the courage to speak out to her. She knew it would burst into some argument. So instead Ushara enjoyed her time with the group.
A huge kettle was set on the fire and a basic soup was thrown together to be enjoyed by everyone. The little Shinra had tired herself out playing and after a few spoon of the warm meal, she felt asleep into her dad's arms. While the Gerudo was talking with Sohara, she could not help but cover the family with an affectionate gaze. She was still shock by the close role the Voe would take towards their child. At the same time, a child could hardly be raised by a single person. Even if Ushara had been under the care of he sole mother, the Gerudo would gather up and provide support to the Vai. It was the role of a whole town to look after the young ones.
Feeling more at ease with her new friend, she asked Sohara about herself. She then learned that she originated from Kakariko Village. It's inhabitant formed a tribe among the Hylian. They would be know as the Sheikah. Those Sheikah would possess unique traits like their white-hair and red eyes, but they also had a distinctive culture they wanted to maintain. In this, Ushara felt akin to way of the Gerudo. She listened on how that tribe was supposed to be chosen protectors of Hyrule royalty, as the wish of Goddess Hylia. How they were crucial in pushing back Calamity Ganon over the ages. Also that those roles had faded, but they were still very proud of it.
The Voe Sheldon was not a part of the Sheikah tribe. Since the tribe tends to keep to himself, it does bring a distrust of strangers. It was hard for Sheldon to be accepted, but he never planned on giving up when his eyes sat on Sohara. To make himself worthy, he worked hard on his trade. He was ready to bring a long and harsh fight, but the family of his to-be-wife quickly took a liking to him. He was always grateful to the Goddess for joining their path.
That tale of a romantic encounter went and stab Ushara in her heart. She had genuine care for that family, but it also brought a flow of jealousy. She still had to go out in the world and hope to experience love for herself. That brought her nervousness. There was the unknown. There was the shackle of Gerudo's tradition. She dreaded that encounter. How would she be able to know how to engage with those Voe. How would she reveal their true selves and find if they are truly matching?
Having her mind swinging back into a frenzy, she excused herself and felt it was time for bed. After all, most of the group went to sleep already. The horses were gathered in a small pack and seemed to be out for the night. Master Devon had long disappeared. Komara had went back to her wagon and the brothers she had been hanging with were gathered around the fire. They were yawning profusely while watching the flames die. Once Ushara walked away, the family did the same.
While making her way back to her tent, Ushara was startled by a round figure in her path. It was quite dark once you stepped away from the central ring were the fire was sitting. Scared out, she got a hold of her scimitar. With precocious steps, she moved in until she could better see was that massive shadow were. Only for it to start rising up. It was accompanied by a rattle of stones. Ushara was ready to engage, only to stop at the kindest voice she ever heard. '' Ohhhhhh? Could it be that I scared you. You see me very sorry.'' It was a voice projected with strength, with such a deep tone. Like it was the root of the mountain. Yet, it did not change the inherent softness of the soul.
''Sa'oten, you see me sorry. Goron brethen.'' She could now recognize the shape standing before her. It was one of the rock folk. She dropped her aggressive stance.
The Goron lifted a hand to his chin. ''But I was the sorry one...'' There was such confusion in him, Ushara could not help but being even more uncomfortable. They stayed there standing for such a long time. The Gerudo was wondering if she should just keep going her way. However, the Goron was looking at her like it was expecting something.
It was at this thought that the soldier remembered something and came up with an idea. '' If you are to excuse me, may I ask something out of you Gorons?'' She then explained what she wanted to try out. The Goron agreed and they could try it out once the caravan go back on the road. Ushara thank them profusely and returned to her tent.
Her gloom of the day was chased out of her mind for the moment being. She explained to her Ol' Tessorro what was her plan for the next day. She had such excitement that it lead her to fall asleep while leaning on the gigantic plush.
The story so far had been done with Komara has the narrative lead. This time around we had shifted to the perspective of the oldest sister.
